Election Commission has postponed hearing in the case against Union Minister for Steel Mr. Beni Prasad Verma for alleged violation of the Model code of conduct by his sub quota remarks. The hearing scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed to March 2 as requested by Mr. Verma. The earlier hearing on Friday was deferred on a plea by the complainant.

The BJP had complained that the Steel Minister had violated the model code of conduct. The Election Commission had on February 18 slapped a show cause notice on Verma, finding his remarks on minorities sub- quota as “prima facie violation of model code, after the minister dared the poll body to take action against him.

The Commission had also sought his reply by February 20. Mr. Verma, in his reply to the Commission, had expressed regret over his remarks but had contended that he did not violate the model code. He said that his remarks were made as a Congress leader in line with the party's manifesto and not as a minister.