New Delhi: The Election Commission on Wednesday said it has issued notice to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar for violating the model code of conduct in Maharashtra where Assembly elections will be held on October 13.
The poll panel said it had received complaints earlier this week about an agriculture ministry advertisement in a newspaper published in Mumbai on October 3.
The complaint said the "advertisement has violated the model code of conduct since it is with a slogan and message (in Marathi) to the effect Dear Farmer, This Kharif Season, The Rains Did Not Help You. But We Will - Message To Farmer Friends From Union Agriculture Ministry'."
"Publishing the advertisement in Marathi language in a newspaper published from Mumbai at the time of the General Election in Maharashtra is prima facie motivated to influence the voters of the state," said the Election Commission.
Pawar has since submitted his reply to the notice - within the time limit of Tuesday evening - and the poll panel will meet on Thursday to deliberate over it, said an Election Commission Spokesperson.
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