Deputy CM Slapped with Violation of Election Codes
Patna: May 29, 2007
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi could be in a heap of trouble after the district administration, at the behest of the state election commission on Tuesday, filed an FIR against him for violating election code of conducts after he arrived at a polling booth in Rajendra Nagar in his red-beacon government car, a no-no in the Election Commission's book.
The case was filed against Modi at the Kadam Kuan police station on the information provided by Deputy Development Commissioner and an election officer Rajiv Kumar Singh, Election Commissioner J. K. Dutta said.
The Deputy Chief Minister faces three months in prison and Rs. 200 in fine, if convicted by a court, officials said.
As reported, Modi, along with his security guards and in his official vehicle, arrived at a polling booth under Ward number 43 in Rajendra Nagar to cast his vote.
This was in violation of the model code of conduct that clearly states no government vehicle could be parked within 200 meters of the polling booth, officials said.
"We have done our duties, now it is up to the court to take any action against Modi," said Datta.
Modi, appearing surprised at the charges, said he had never in his wildest dreams thought that he would ever violate the election code of conduct.
"I was on my way to participate in four separate camps involving animals' health in Vaishali district. That is why I was in my official vehicle. Then some of NDA supporters stopped me and urged to cast my vote in my constituency. Without thinking, I accepted their requests and next thing I know I was slapped with violating the electoral code of conduct," the Deputy Chief Minister said adding he will present his case in the court and then let the court decide his fate.
Meanwhile, not to miss an opportunity like this, opposition leaders demanded Modi's resignation saying if fails to quit voluntarily, they would ask the Governor to remove him from power.
"Modi is a fascist who has no regard for the law of the land. He has violated the law and he must be punished under the existing election laws," Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Shyam Rajak said.
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