Poll panel orders probe against UP tourism minister

Lucknow: The State Election Commission (SEC) has ordered a probe against Tourism Minister Om Prakash Singh over a alleged threat to a member of the block development council (BDC) asking him to vote for a particular candidate or face arrest.

Principal Secretary (Home) has been asked to investigate the matter and send a report to state election commissioner SK Agarwal by February 4.

The order comes after the audio tape of the minister threatening the member went viral on social media.

Opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been accusing the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) of arm-twisting and intimidating members during the local bodies elections.