The Election Commission (EC) has penalized UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) head Mayawati for allegedly violating the model code of conduct (MCC). They had made improper statements in public meetings.

While Yogi Adityanath  has been barred from campaigning in public meetings, road shows or media interviews for the next 72 hours, Mayawati has been barred from the same for 48 hours.

Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband appealing to Muslims to not vote for a particular party. Adityanath’s statement on Ali and Bajrang Bali while addressing a rally in Meerut was found improper.

The EC has ordered both leaders to submit their explanation within 24 hours of receipt of the notice.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora called this “a slap on the wrist” of Yogi’s.

Arora also added that the Commission now has the full transcript on Yogi Adityanath's Ali-Bajrang Bali comment.

"The Election Commission says 'we are toothless'. They issue a notice if someone violates model code... or uses religion or caste for votes... then an advisory of they don't follow notice... We would like to examine the matter, we want a representative of the EC who is conversant with the details to appear,” Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said.