EC gets tough against Lalu, his party

Taking a tough stand, the Election Commission also issued a show cause notice to Railway Minister Prasad's party Rashtriya Janata Dal, which rules Bihar, asking why it should not be de-recognised for alleged violation of the model code of conduct for elections.

The polls watchdog had on Friday last announced the schedule for assembly elections in Bihar and two other states Jharkhand and Haryana to be held in next February following expiry of tenure of legislatures there. Under Indian laws, the model code of conduct comes into effect with the Commission's announcement of polls schedule.

Taking suo moto notice of media reports on alleged distribution of money by Lalu Prasad to some people in a village in Bihar on Saturday last, the Election Commission went into a huddle Monday afternoon and came out with the decision to file an FIR against him soon after.