Kathmandu-The Election Commission (EC) has sought a clarification within 24 hours from Minister for Urban Development Metmani Chaudhary on charge of distributing foodstuffs in his constituency against the election code of conduct. Issuing a press statement today, EC’s Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel said that clarification has been sought from Chaudhary on violation of election code of conduct for the distribution of rice in the name of flood victims in his constituency adding that the act would influence the fairness and neutrality of the election.

The EC has also stated that its attention was drawn to the contents spread in the social networking sites regarding the distribution of rice by Minister Chaudhary in Dang Constituency No. 1. The EC has asked whether or not Minister Chaudhary has received prior approval from the EC for the distribution of rice to the flood victims.

Furthermore, the EC has asked why relief distribution could have been done at presence of minister even when there was an alternative for the relief distribution that could be carried out through the District Administration Office in case of emergency in the time of disaster.