Lucknow, Apr 18: Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party supremo &13;Mulayam Singh Yadav was frustrated by the measures taken by the Election &13;Commission to prevent fake voting, Union minister of state for Home Sri Prakash &13;Jaiswal said today. Addressing a news conference, Mr Jaiswal said he in his political career &13;spanning 18 years has not witnessed such a peaceful election. ''I thank the &13;Election Commission for holding free and fair elections in the three phases &13;which have taken place so far,'' he said.

He claimed that violence-free elections in Etawah, Mainpur and Etah districts &13;of the state was historical. ''With no fake voting taking place, the hopes of &13;the ruling party of once again coming to power have collapsed,'' he said.

He said the central para military forces (CMPF) have carried out an &13;exceptional task of ensuring peaceful elections. ''The discipline with which &13;they have done their duty is commendable,'' he added.

To a poser on the central government initiating a probe against a paramilitary &13;personnel for stopping state PWD minister Shivpal Singh Yadav in Eatwah, he &13;said it is the duty of the government to order probe based on a complaint. ''If &13;the personnel is found guilty, he would be punished. But if his actions were in &13;accordance to his orders, he could well be rewarded,'' he said.


UNI