Officials take cognisance of Sharad Pawar’s ‘vote twice’ remarks

Pawar asked party workers to ‘vote twice’ by rubbing off the indelible ink

Update: 2014-03-24 15:11 GMT
Sharad Pawar President of the Nationalist Congress Party during the 32nd death anniversary of Mathadi leader Annasaheb Patil at APMC market in Vashi (Photo - PTI)

New Delhi: Poll authorities in Maharashtra have taken cognisance of NCP leader Sharad Pawar’s remarks asking party workers to ‘vote twice’ in the multi-phase polling in the state by rubbing off the indelible ink and have sought details of his speech in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer has initiated the process of procuring the video/audio recording of Mr. Pawar’s speech before moving ahead in the matter.

Once the recording is available, the remarks of the concerned District Electoral Officer will be sought.

Sources said the matter is also likely to figure before the Election Commission (EC) as to whether Mr. Pawar’s remarks are in violation of the model code of conduct and provisions of the electoral laws and whether the poll body needs to act further on the matter.

The EC is likely to discuss the issue on Monday.

“Last time (in 2009), the polling in Satara and Mumbai was on the same day and people went to their hometowns. But this time, polling in Satara is on April 17 and here on April 24,” Mr. Pawar had said.

“Do erase the ink mark, which will be put when you vote first,” he had said.

“Vote for the clock (NCP symbol) there (in Satara) and come back to vote for the clock here as well,” he had said.

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