New Delhi: The Election Commission on Tuesday said it is not taking any action against Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, whose activists were filmed distributing money to potential voters.
"We have decided not to proceed in the matter," Deputy Election Commissioner R. Balakrishnan told reporters in Delhi.
On March 12, the poll panel slapped a notice on Mulayam Singh Yadav for violating the model code of conduct for the April-May Lok Sabha elections as his activists were found distributing cash during a function at his native place in Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister admitted it was a "mistake" though not a bribe. He said he gave gifts to people on Holi every year, terming it as a tradition and not an attempt to bribe anyone.
The commission took cognizance of TV channel clips that showed Mulayam Singh Yadav holding a public gathering at his Saifai village in Etawah district.
According to the clips, his supporters were seen distributing Rs 100 currency notes among a large number of people at the gathering, in his presence.
"It is apparent that the distribution of money in your presence has been made with a view to soliciting votes and support for yourself and your party," the poll panel said, pulling up the SP leader in its notice.
Mulayam Singh Yadav is contesting the Lok Sabha election from the neighbouring district of Mainpuri.
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