Nitin Gadkari addresses an election campaign rally in Karad, Maharashtra.
The Election Commission today extended by two days the deadline given to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to submit his reply to a show cause notice issued to him for allegedly asking voters to accept bribe during campaigning in Maharashtra Assembly polls.
The Election Commission extended the deadline - which was to end this evening - to October 10 evening following a request made by Mr Gadkari, the poll body said in a letter to the BJP leader.
In its notice, the Election Commission said that Mr Gadkari, while addressing a public meeting in Nilenga Assembly constituency on October 5, had allegedly made "statements to the effect of inducing the voters to take bribe if offered by someone and then decide how to vote".
The former BJP president had allegedly said in Marathi, "Now, I am watching your faces and I have some skill of predicting the future by way of face reading. You have an opportunity of 'Laxmi darshan' in next 10 days. Special people to get foreign made, ordinary people to get local brand...
"All are Gandhivadis asking for Rs 5000. In these days of inflation, keep one thing in mind, eat what you wish and drink what you desire. Keep whatever you get. This is the time when illegally earned money can go to poor. Therefore, do not say no to Laxmi. But think while you vote. Your vote should be for the development of Maharashtra."
Maharashtra goes to polls on October 15. Results will be announced four days later.