EC notice to Naveen on poll expense row

Bhubaneswar: Seeking an explanation on the alleged poll fund irregularities, the Election Commission has issued a notice to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday.

As per reports published in national media, the EC wanted a clarification from Patnaik as to why poll expenditure amount mentioned in his affidavit does not match with the one submitted to EC by the party.

Based on a complaint, the Supreme Court directed the Commission to look into the matter, the reports added.

Patnaik was accused of submitting a fake affidavit misrepresenting the expenses during 2014 election.

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RTI activist Subash Mohapatra had filed a petition in Orissa High Court in July under the Representation of People's Act. Alleging irregularities in the statement of accounts and expenses submitted to EC during general elections, he had sought disqualification of the CM as MLA. Later, Mohapatra had moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the case to the Delhi High Court, which was refused by the apex court.

In July, Orissa High Court had issued notice to the EC on a writ petition directing the poll panel for early completion of inquiry against Patnaik.

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