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EC slaps notice on Rabri for 'brother-in-law' remarks

April 09, 2009 18:20 IST

The Election Commission on Thursday slapped a notice on opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Rabri Devi for violation of the model code of conduct by allegedly making insulting personal remarks against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and state Janata Dal-United chief Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lalan.

She has been given time till April 11 to reply to the notice, Deputy Election Commissioner J P Prakash told media persons in New Delhi. A First Investigation Report had already been filed against Rabri Devi who at a poll rally in Chapra earlier allegedly said "Lalan Singh is brother-in-law of Nitish and Nitish is the brother-in-law of Lalan. That is why both of them are always seen holding each other's hands."

Nitish and Lalan are not related but the description of brother-in-law was made in an abusive way. The police action came after the ruling JD(U) in Bihar complained to the EC and demanded action against the former chief minister for alleged "abusive remarks" and poll code violation.