EC notice to Maha minister for 'pressurising' poll official

Maharashtra State Election Commission today issued a notice to Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar seeking his explanation on reports that he allegedly tried to put pressure on a poll official over nomination of a candidate for the forthcoming second phase of municipal council polls.
However, Jankar, president of Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP) which is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA, has denied the charge.
The EC directed the minister to submit his response in writing within 24 hours after receiving the notice.
The election commission has also taken cognisance of a complaint lodged this afternoon by a delegation of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) seeking immediate action against Jankar for "violating the model code of conduct in force for the polls."

The second phase of municipal council polls is scheduled on December 14.
In a memorandum submitted to EC earlier in the day, the Congress had cited a video footage saying Jankar attempted to pressurise the election officer in Gadchiroli district.

"It is a misuse of power and the violation of model code of conduct. The video shows that Jankar is pressurising the officer to cancel the nomination of a Congress candidate as well as asking him to allocate a desirable sign," the memorandum said.
Jankar is facing allegations of pressurising election officer of Desaiganj municipal council in Gadchiroli district to reject the nomination form of a candidate who has submitted it on a Congress ticket.

When contacted, Jankar said, "I had only requested the officer concerned to cancel the application of Motwani (full name not available) because he (Motwani) wanted to contest the election as an independent.
"He not only informed me so (about contesting as an independent) but also expressed his desire to contest the poll on a particular sign. I had not pressurised the officer concerned."
The minister said he has risen to his position after going through hardship despite not having any political background.
"I have faith in the autonomy of election commission," he added.