'Ill' Chautala's campaigning matter for court: EC

Refusing to be drawn into the controversy over INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala openly campaigning for his party for the Haryana assembly elections despite being granted bail on "health grounds", the Election Commission Saturday said it the matter could be taken cognizance of by the competent court.

Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath told media here that Chautala was the "star campaigner" of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) as per the list submitted by the party.

The "competent authority", in this case the court concerned, alone could take action against Chautala for indulging in political activity while being on bail on health grounds, he said.

Chautala, who was convicted in a teachers' recruitment scam by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court last year and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, is currently out on bail granted by the Delhi High Court. He had sought the bail on health grounds

The former chief minister has started campaigning openly for INLD candidates, addressing several political rallies every day. He has even gone on record to say that if the INLD wins the election, he will take oath as chief minister inside Tihar jail and run the government from there.

Under the law, Chautala cannot contest any elections.

Chautala has been asked by the Delhi High Court to surrender before Oct 17.

Elections to 90 assembly seats in Haryana take place Oct 15. The counting of votes takes place Oct 19 and results will be known the same day.