Hyderabad:
Here is the full text of the Election Commission letter sent to TRS MP Vijayashanti. She has allegedly been accused of violating the model poll code ahead of by-polls in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.
NOTICE
Whereas, the schedule for holding the bye-elections to 10 Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh was announced by the Election Commission vide its Press Note dated ECI/PN/23/2010 dated 21st June, 2010; and
Whereas, it is now conclusively settled by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Union of India Vs. Harbans Singh Jalal & others (SLP No.22724 of 1997 decided on 26.04.2001) that the Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates comes into operation from the date of announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission and, accordingly, it was so stated in the last para of the above referred Press Note dated 21st June, 2010 itself, and
Whereas, the following sub para (i) of Para 1 of Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates inter-alia provide:-
" (i) No party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic." And
Whereas, the Commission has received a copy of the press clippings of "Hindu" and "Deccan Chronicle" dated 1st July, 2010 wherein it is reported that you, while addressing a gathering at Hyderabad on 30th June, 2010 raised the slogan "Telangana ku adoste,adanga narikestam" and incited the women to chop down those opposing separate statehood for Telangana, (A copy each of press clippings is enclosed herewith); and
Whereas, the Commission is of the opinion that the above said statement amounts to inciting violence and aggravating existing differences between different communities in violation of provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, referred to above,
Now, therefore, you are hereby called upon to explain by 11.00 hours on 4th July, 2010 as to why actions should not be taken against you.
If no reply is received within the prescribed time limit, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say and the Commission will proceed to take appropriate action without making any further reference to you.
To,
Ms.Vijayshanti,
MP,
TRS Party