Election Commission notice to N Kiran Kumar Reddy for violation of election code

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission has issued a notice to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy for allegedly violating the model code of conduct with comments over religion for the June 12 bypolls at Tirupati.

Reddy had on May 11 allegedly said in Tirupati that voters should vote for Congress to ensure the religious sanctity and sacredness of the temple town.

He should reply to the notice by 12 noon tomorrow, election authorities said here tonight.

Reddy was issued a notice earlier this week for allegedly saying at a campaign meeting that each party worker should cast 10 votes in favour of Congress.

He, however, clarified that it was a "slip of tongue" and not a deliberate attempt to violate the poll code.