EC notice to CPI-M leader for remarks against Mamata

The Election Commission on Wednesday served a notice to veteran CPI-M leader Anil Basu for using certain "obscene" remarks against Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee saying "prima facie" his utterances violated model code of conduct.

The EC issued the notice after watching the CD and transcript of the speech Basu had made at an election meeting held at Arambagh in Hooghly on April 22 and asked him to   reply by April 30.

In its notice, the EC said it was of the view that his statement prima facie constituted the violation of general conduct of the model code of conduct which prohibits personal attacks on the leaders of rival political parties and criticism of all aspects of their private life.

"Now, therefore, the Commission hereby gives notice to you to show cause as to why action should not be taken against you for violation of the model code of conduct," it said.

Seeking a response by April 30, the EC said appropriate action would be taken against Basu him if the reply does not come by that date without any further notice. Basu had already apologised for using expletives against Banerjee after being ordered by the party leadership which also barred the seven-time member of Parliament from holding poll rallies.