Holding prima facie that the remarks of Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal about President's Rule in Uttar Pradesh is violation of Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission of India has issued a show-cause notice asking why action should not be initiated against him.

The ECI in its notice has said that the Commission was prima facie, satisfied that Sriprakash Jaiswal by making an uncalled for statement had attempted to threaten the voters of districts going for poll in 6th and 7th phases either to vote for his party that is the Congress, or face imposition of President Rule in Uttar Pradesh and has thus violated the aforesaid provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Commission asked the Coal Minister to explain his position on the matter by 2 PM on Monday, failing which it will decide the matter without giving any further opportunity to him.