General Elections 2014: Azam Khan to reply to EC`s notice today

Zee Media Bureau/Deepak Nagpal

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan is expected to reply on Friday to the Election Commission`s notice, accusing him of "persistently" and "continuously" violating the model code of conduct and also making objectionable remarks against the poll panel. The notice was issued on Wednesday. “You have made totally baseless and scurrilous allegations against the Election Commission of lndia, a constitutional authority enjoined upon by the mandate to conduct free, fair and transparent elections, and also made statements which have the impact of creating mutual hatred among different sections of society, religious as well linguistic,” the EC notice stated. "The Commission has noted with deep concern that even after that (the earlier notice) you are persistently, continuously and wilfully indulging in violating the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct." The EC noted that instead of complying with the earlier order dated April 11, Khan made attempts to circumvent it. "Now, therefore, the Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand in making the above said statement before 5 pm April 25," it said. The EC had on April 11 banned Azam Khan as well as the BJP`s Amit Shah from campaigning in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly making provocative speeches. The EC had later lifted the ban on Shah after he apologised. Azam Khan had stated last Friday that he would approach the Supreme Court against the EC`s order barring him from campaigning in the state. He had also accused the poll panel of being biased against Muslims.