The Election Commission Wednesday issued a notice to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for violating the model code of conduct.
Badal had on April 12 in an election meeting said that crores of rupees are spent on campaigning though less is shown in expenditure details.
The commission took up the issue following a complaint made against Badal by ex-legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
According to the complaint, Badal said: "Crores are spent on campaigning, though we show less in expenditure details... Give quietly, don't give openly."
The notice issued by the commission said: "The commission is, prima facie, of the opinion that by making the aforesaid statement you have violated the model code of conduct and also incited others to violate the law."
Teh poll panel gave Badal an opportunity to explain his stand before 5 p.m. on May 2.
