'Laxmi' remark row: Cong, NCP seek action against Danve

The opposition Congress and NCP in Maharashtra today asked the State Election Commissioner to register a criminal offence against state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve for alleged violation of election code, a charge the ruling party leader rejected as "politically motivated".
Danve has courted controversy with his remark asking voters to accept 'Laxmi' (referring to money illegally given to voters ahead of the polling day) during the civic polls.
"On the eve of elections, Laxmi comes to your house and you should accept it," Danve had allegedly said during a civic poll campaign meeting at Paithan in Aurangabad on Saturday.
Elections to municipal councils are being held in the state at present.

Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant wanted a criminal offence registered against Danve for luring voters with money. The statement is a violation of election code of conduct, he said.
NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said he had told state Election Commissioner J S Saharia that Danve's remarks suggested that people should accept money ahead of polls.

A notice was yesterday served to Danve by Returning Officer, Aurangabad, and a report has been submitted to District Collector Nidhi Pandey.
Danve told PTI today the complaint of alleged violation of model code of conduct against him is "politically motivated".
"We talk about Laxmi at least 25 times in a day and that does not mean money. The move is politically motivated and I have this morning replied to the notice. Now, the ball is in the court of Election Commission and it will take final decision on it," the state BJP president said.