The Election Commission has sought clarification from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Bijay Kumar Gachhadar and State Minister for Water Resources Amar Singh Pun for violating the election code.

A meeting of the EC on Saturday decided to question DPM Gachhadar, who chairs the Nepal Loktantrik Forum (NLF), for organising a rally using 20-25 four-wheelers and more than 100 motorcycles in the Birgunj Metropolitan City.

The meeting told Gach-hadar to furnish clarification within 24 hours why he should not be punished for violating the poll code and NLF mayoral candidate Bimal Prasad Shrivastav why his candidacy should not be annulled for breaching the code.

The EC also decided to seek clarification from State Minister for Water Resources Amar Singh Pun for using government vehicles to carry NC cadres to a rally at Phattepur of Jitpur-Simara Sub-metropolis.

Though the EC seeks clarification from ministers and candidates, questions remain over whether it will take any “serious action” against those charged with code violation.

Of the 92 complaints filed at the EC about violation of the code of conduct before the second phase of local level elections held on June 28, the poll body failed to take “strong action” against any of the offenders.

The commission can slap a fine up to Rs100,000 for violating the code. In case of a candidate flouting the code, the EC is authorised to scrap their candidacy.