‘‘Mahapatra did not show this case against him or write that he was on bail in the poll affidavit he filed to contest the Orissa Assembly elections in 2004,’’ Maneka said. According to her, charges were framed against the Orissa MLA from Brahmogiri in Puri district under several sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and Section 27 of the Orissa Forest Act for illegally entering the Satkosia Sanctuary carrying firearms with the intention of poaching. ‘‘He was caught redhanded with weapons in April 1991,’’ the MP said.

EC sources said, the case would come under Sections IPC, but ‘‘cannot invite disqualification.’’