EC pulls up AP minister over religious remarks

EC "censured" Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings Minister for allegedly making certain religious remarks during the campaigning for June 12 bypolls.

Hyderabad: The Election Commission on Friday "censured" Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings Minister D Prasada Rao for allegedly making certain religious remarks during the campaigning for June 12 bypolls.

The minister had made the remarks related to a particular religion on May 7 in Ramachandrapuram assembly constituency in East Godavari district, which is prohibited under the law, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Bhanwar Lal told reporters here.

The censure is the final order in the matter, he said.

Meanwhile, heavy amounts of unaccounted money continues to be seized in the run-up to the bye-elections. So far, Rs 36.41 crore cash and other valuable items like gold and silver worth Rs 10,77,37,151 have been seized as part of enforcement of the poll code.

The amount is higher than the Rs 38 crore seized during 2009 general elections.

The seized items also include 1.90 lakh litres of illicit liquor.

PTI

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