Mahadev Jankar misused cabinet position, says EC report

Nagpur: Beleaguered dairy development minister Mahadev Jankar’s troubles might increase as a report prepared by the state Election Commission (EC) has not only found him guilty but also stated that the minister misused his office. A case was registered against Jankar last week in Gadchiroli.

Jankar has come under severe criticism from the Opposition after he was seen on camera trying to pressurise an election official over the phone to reject the nomination of a Congress candidate in the Vadsa municipal council in Gadchiroli district. A non-cognisible offence has been registered against Jankar.

The report, based on which a police complaint has been lodged, has passed strictures against the minister. “Jankar tried to pressurise the election officer to change the candidate’s election symbol when there is no such provision in the law. It is clear that Jankar misused his position as Cabinet minister and if the election commission does not take action, then its unbiased image would be questioned in public.

It is necessary for the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections and hence action will be taken against the guilty,” the report said. It has further added that considering all the aspects of the issue, a fresh election needed to be conducted in the area and hence the scheduled election was cancelled.

Though chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tried to defend his minister, the Opposition did not pay him any heed and both Houses were adjourned for the day on Tuesday.  

EC sources said that the issue would be taken up by the court for further action.