New Delhi: The Election Commission on Tuesday expressed its "displeasure" over Union Minister Sharad Pawar's ink remark and asked him to be careful in future and ensure that he did not violate the Model Code of Conduct.
In its order on Pawar's call to his supporters asking them to vote twice after removing the indelible ink in the multi-phase Lok Sabha election in Maharashtra, the poll panel said it was "not satisfied" with his explanation but decided not to pursue the matter further.
The EC said Pawar's call to voters to vote at more than one place was in violation of the law.
"The Commission is not satisfied with your explanation, but, having regard to the expression of regret in your reply, has decided not to pursue the matter further.
"....The Commission conveys its displeasure to you and expects you, as a senior politician and president of a national party, to be careful in future to ensure that by words/conduct you do not violate the Model Code of Conduct," said the EC order.
The NCP chief had expressed deep regret for the confusion and misunderstanding his controversial 'ink' remark had caused and requested the Commission to treat the issue as closed.
The Commission had found that the NCP chief has "prima facie" violated the Model Code of Conduct.