EC issues notice to Marandi

The Election Commission Monday issued a notice to former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi for seeking support from pastors and priests for the general election.

The Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik chief was issued the notice based on a report by the chief electoral officer of the state.

"The commission has received a report dated April 20 of the chief electoral officer, Jharkhand, enclosing a complaint dated April 20, that you have made an written appeal dated April 13 to all churches in Dumka stating a quote from the Bible making a deemed appeal for support from all bishops, pastors, brothers and sisters in christ from Dumka Lok Sabha seat," said the notice.

The notice said that the commission was prima facie of the opinion that by making these statements, Marandi violated the provisions of the model code of conduct, and asked him to explain his stand by 11 a.m. on April 30, "failing which the ECI shall take a decision without further reference to you".