The Election Commission on Saturday issued a showcause notice to Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for allegedly asking the Muslim community not to allow a split in their votes in Bihar.

The poll panel said prima facie he has violated provisions of the model code of conduct, election law and a Supreme Court direction asking politicians not to mix religion with political discourse while electioneering.

The Punjab minister has been asked to respond within 24 hours, failing which the poll panel will take a decision without further reference to him. The poll panel pointed out that an FIR has been lodged against him in Bihar’s Kathiar.