Vaiko replies to EC notice over Karuna slur

CHENNAI: MDMK chief Vaiko has replied to an Election Commission notice issued to him, seeking a response to his April 6 speech criticising DMK chief Karunanidhi and his family. Almost two weeks after Vaiko delivered the speech, EC sent him a notice on April 18. He was told to respond by 3pm on April 20.
“Vaiko has replied and I have forwarded it to the EC,” said chief electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni.The notice said the EC was of the opinion that Vaiko had violated the model code. The returning officer subsequently filed an FIR on April 11 under Sections 153A and 125 of the Representation of People Act 1951.
During a campaign meeting at Egmore, Vaiko had made tasteless remarks about Karunanidhi. “The notice has been issued based on your election campaign on April 6... where you made a reference to the personal life of Karunanidhi,” said the notice.
Vaiko had apologized after the meeting calling his remarks as one of the biggest blunders of his life, adding that he never intended to hurt Karunanidhi. Vaiko, reportedly mentioned this apology in his reply to the EC.