EC finds Ashok Chavan a guilty of fudging poll expenses

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan is in deep trouble after the Election Commission found him guilty of dodging his poll expenses during 2009 Maharashtra assembly elections.

According to EC, Chavan has not filed his election expenses correctly and not even included expenditure for 25 advertisements in Marthi newspapers in his accounts.

“The commission is of the considered view that respondent (Ashok Chavan) cannot validly claim ignorance about the publication of the above-mentioned 25 advertisements in which his name, the name of his constituency and also his photograph prominently appeared,” The Election Commission report says.

The Election Commission sent a show cause notice to Chavan asking him to explain why he should not be disqualified. He has to reply within 20 days.

Refusing the allegations, Chavan said the notice has vindicated.

“The minimum that is expected of ethical journalism is that the reader is cautioned by suitable disclaimers while such articles are published so that the unwary reader can make suitable allowance in his mind while forming his judgement. This matter assumes greater significance in the election period when the media needs to show greater responsibility,” he said.

If The Election Commission disqualifies him then Chavan would lose Nanded seat along with a ban for three years from contesting elections.

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