The Election Commission has served notice on two Madhya Pradesh Ministers for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. They have been asked to respond within 24 hours. Transport Minister Govind Singh Rajput has been served notice for his alleged comments and “vulgar language” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at election meetings in Sagar on April 2. Minister Omkar Singh Markam allegedly issued threats to officials and made financial demands. He stayed at the Collectorate for 45 minutes, met the officers and called for an election meeting in the Collector’s chamber“Financial demands as well as threats” were made. It asked the Chief Electoral Officer to submit a report.Taking cognisance of a complaint, the Election Commission sought a report and the transcript of the speeches from the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). It examined the certified transcript and found that Mr. Rajput had used vulgar language against Mr. Modi and violated the model code by criticising him on the basis of unverified allegations, calling him Chor and Chokidar.
On a complaint from the BJP, the Election Commission has served notice on “All the documents provided by the Chief Electoral Officer have been examined, and it is found that Shri Omkar Singh Markam met government officers in the presence of the Collector, Shahdol, at the Collectorate on the night of April 20,” the notice said. Based on the statements recorded by the State Election Commission, it said.