The Election Commission on Sunday reprimanded K C Abu, Kozhikode district Congress chief, for violating the model code of conduct by canvassing for votes in the name of religion.

The Commission had sought Abu's explanation over a speech he made at a UDF convention at Cheruvanoor in Beypore on April 7 in the presence of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

In his reply, Abu had accepted having delivered a speech in front of party workers, but denied that he had violated the model code of conduct.

The Commission found his explanation "not satisfactory" and said that he had "violated" provisions of the model code of conduct which bar candidates from making statements with an appeal on the ground of caste and communal feelings for securing votes.

"Now, therefore the Commission hereby reprimands you for the violation' and warns you to be careful in future," the order by Commission Secretary, Darsuo Thang, said.

Earlier, a case under Section 125 of the RPA, 1951, was registered against him by police.

The BJP candidate in Beypore constituency, K P Prakash Babu had filed a complaint with the EC and police against Abu alleging that he was trying to whip up communal passions to create polarisation and fetch votes for Congress.

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