EC issues notice to Union Minister for violation of Model Code

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Union Minister Balram Naik for allegedly announcing a Rs 20 crore grant for construction of hostels for OBC students in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Naik, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, has been asked to reply to the notice by October 28, explaining why action should not be initiated against him for violations of the Model Code.
"The Election Commission of lndia calls upon you to explain by 11.00 AM of October 28 as to why action should not be taken against you for the violations of the Model Code of Conduct," the notice, issued yesterday, reads.

Naik, addressing party workers at the state Congress headquarters in Bhopal on October 16, "had announced grant of Rs 10-20 crore for construction of hostels for OBC students", according to the EC notice.
If he fails to reply, the EC will "proceed to take appropriate action" against him without further notice, it said.
Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are slated for November 25 and the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on October 4.