New Delhi: Hours before the Assembly polls in Delhi, the Election Commission tonight (Nov 30) issued a show cause notice to BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), asking it to explain within three days as to why action should not be taken against it for distributing pamphlets in Tourism Ministry bags last night in Gole Market constituency where its candidate Poonam Azad is pitted against Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

The Commission also issued a show cause notice to Poonam, wife of BJP MP Kirti Azad, asking her to give explanation within 24 hours.

The Commission's decision followed complaints by Congress that the Central Government's publicity material, BJP pamphlets and appeals by Tourism Minister Jagmohan and Kirti Azad to vote for Poonam, were distributed in the constituency in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

"BJP is called upon to show cause within three days as to why action may not be taken against the party for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by its leaders and candidate enforced for ensuring a free and fair poll," the notice to the party said.

In the event of default of the party to respond to the notice within the time stipulated, the Commission said, "It will be presumed that the party has nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision without further reference to the party."

The Commission said that on inquiry into the complaint, it found that the Tourism Ministry materials were distributed in the constituency.

The Commission was of the view that these materials were distributed among the voters to "promote Poonam Azad's prospects at Government cost in violation of the Model Code of Conduct."

PTI