Kathmandu, November 11

The Election Commission today sought clarification from Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jitendra Narayan Dev on the misuse of government vehicle at a Nepali Congress election rally where he was chief guest, in Saptari.

Stating that Dev’s act violated the election code of conduct, the EC asked the minister to furnish clarification within 24 hours on why action should not be taken against him.

The EC’s move followed a report in a daily newspaper today about Dev’s code violation, according to a press release issued by the EC.

“The commission has asked Dev to furnish clarification within 24 hours of receipt of the letter on why action should not be taken against him for violating election code of conduct,” read the EC release. EC Spokesperson Nava Raj Dhakal said the minister misused public vehicle and attended a poll programme at a school where such programmes should not be organised.

The poll panel sought clarification from NC Saptari President Dinesh Kumar Yadav and Janata Secondary School Principal Surya Narayan Yadav on the same issue. The EC has asked Dinesh Kumar and Surya Narayan to furnish replies within 24 hours why action should not be taken against them for allowing the NC to hold a poll programme on the premises of the school. The EC stated in the letter that the Saptari chapter of the NC had organised a poll programme and also a feast there which again violated the election code.