"Irrespective of whatever intentions you might have had, such statements clearly bring disrepute to the purity of our elections as well as the integrity of the democratic process," the Election Commission said in its order on the showcause notice served to Gadkari earlier this week.
"The commission conveys its displeasure to you and expects you to be more circumspect in your public utterances in future," the EC said in the order addressed to Gadkari.
READ ALSO: EC's showcause to Nitin Gadkari for inciting voters to take bribes
EC had earlier issued a notice to Gadkari over his statement at a public meeting in Nilenga assembly constituency in Latur district on October 5, having the effect of inducing voters to take bribe if offered by someone and then decide how to vote. The notice quoted him as telling voters not to say 'no' to 'Laxmi'. "You have the opportunity of 'Laxmi darshan" in next 20 days. Special people to get foreign made, ordinary people to get local brand ... sarees for old women, pant shirt for a young boy ... In these days of inflation ... eat what you wish and drink what you desire. Keep whatever you get ... this is the time when illegally earned money can go to poor ... do not say 'no' to Laxmi. But think while you vote. Your vote should be for the development of Maharashtra," he had told voters.
The EC said the statement prime facie amounted to abetting and promoting the electoral offence of bribery within the meaning of Section 171B, read with Section 171E of the IPC, and was in violation of the model code of conduct. It sought Gadkari's reply by October 8, though this deadline was later extended to October 10.
READ ALSO: 'Laxmi' comments distorted, Gadkari tells EC
Gadkari, in his reply, denied any violation of the model code, stating that the entire tenor of his speech was to denigrate any attempt to allure/induce voters through any unlawful means. "This was done through humour and sarcasm ... I would urge you to consider carefully the humorous tone in which I spoke the relevant words and contrast this with the serious note on which I exhorted the people of Maharashtra to exercise their votes in the interest of Maharashtra," he said adding that he had the highest regard for the model code.
The explanation however did not wash with the EC. Stating that the provisions of poll code, framed keeping in mind the purity of the election process and the need to maintain a level playing field, were not something to be taken lightly and talked to the public in a humorous way, the EC said it could not accept Gadkari's submission.
The commission said it had revisited the video-clip of his speech and concluded that his statement asking voters to "keep whatever you get" and "do not say no to 'Laxmi'" amounted to encouraging the voters to accept the inducements.
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