EC not happy with Sharad Pawar's explanation on voting

The Election Commission Tuesday said it was not satisfied with NCP chief Sharad Pawar's explanation over his controversial statement asking people to vote from more than one place, but said it would not pursue the matter further.

"The commission has considered that you have overlooked the provisions of section 171D of the Indian Penal Code," the poll panel said.

"The commission is not satisfied with your explanation, but having regard to the expressions of regret in your reply, has decided not to pursue the matter further," it said.

The poll panel had issued a show cause notice to the Nationalist Congress Party president March 24 over his statement asking people to vote from more than one place.

Pawar in his reply to the commission March 26 said his speech cannot be construed as one "amounting to abetting, procuring, or attempting to procure votes by impersonation".