Election Commission has issued a notice to Union Steel Minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan for soliciting votes in the name of religion.

Officials in the state election department said the commission observed that Paswan's promise to install a Muslim chief minister was against the provisions of the Indian Penal Code and violated the model code of conduct.

The commission has directed Paswan to submit a reply to its notice by October 24.

However, Paswan defended himself saying there is nothing wrong in using the plank of religion to garner votes.

"Some people ask for votes in the name of a Hindu nation, some in the name of Rabri Devi or Nitish Kumar. What is wrong if I ask for votes in the name of Muslims?" he demanded.

On the other hand Election Commission has directed the lodging of a case against Railway minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav for violation of model code of conduct.

Officials said Lalu had visited the venue of public meeting in Mahua of Vaishali district on wednesday in the vehicle without any number plate. He was campaigning for his party candidate from Mahua Assembly.

Earlier a first information report was lodged against Lalu's wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi for violation of model code of conduct.

More news: Bihar