EC to issue show cause to BJP on stampede

The Election Commission on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to register a case of bribery against senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lalji Tandon, holding that the distribution of sarees on his birthday that led to a stampede was prima facie a violation of the model code of conduct.

A meeting of the full commission, presided by Chief Election Commissioner TS Krishna Murthy, also decided to issue a show-cause notice to BJP's central leadership on the issue. It sought a reply within seven days.

Cases will be registered against Tandon and others involved in the distribution of sarees that led to the stampede killing 22 women. The cases will under Section 171-B of the Indian Penal Code relating to bribery during the period of elections.

Asked to elaborate on the violation of the model code of conduct, Election Commission spokesman AN Jha said, "You are distributing largesse when the elections are on."

The commission also ordered the transfer of district magistrate and senior superintendent of police of Lucknow. The Election Commission will be writing to the state government asking it to send a panel of names of suitable IAS and IPS officers to be posted as their replacements.

Pointing out that reports from the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary and chief electoral officer on the stampede had been received on the incident, Jha said the commission was satisfied prima facie on the evidence available with it.