Bhopal, Oct 27: : The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for alleged violation of 'model code of conduct' during campaigning for the Assembly by-election in Lanji constituency of Balaghat district.

''The notice has been issued on the basis of video recording by central observers of an election rally, addressed by Mr Chouhan making announcement for financial assistance and some other specific promises, at Lanji's Resewada village on October 23'', said State's Chief Electoral Officer J S Mathur.

Mr Chouhan, who was served the notice yesterday, was asked to furnish his explanation by this evening, the CEO said.

The notice also mentioned the Chief Minister's announcements relating to launching of ''Mukhya Mantri Suraksha Yojana-2007'', land ownership rights to tribals and other forest dwellers, concessional loans to farmers at 7 percent interest, recruitment of 50,000 teachers and creation of 10 lakh jobs, besides receiving applications from local residents and promising to accede to it after the model code ceases to be in operation.

The Commission reminded that the Central Government has not so far notified the date for implementation of the provisions of the 'Scheduled Tribe and Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of the Forest Rights) Act 2006.

It also pointed out that the Mukhya Mantri Suraksha Yojana-2007 had been made effective from October 11 while the model code of conduct was enforced on September 25.

The October 30 bypoll was necessitated due to the death of BJP MLA Dilip Bhatere. The main contest is between late Mr Bhatere's wife and BJP candidate Dhareshwari Bhatere and Congress nominee Bhagwat Bhau Nagpure in a 19-cornered contest.

Tourists keep distance from Chambal temples Morena, MP, Oct 27: Tourist potential of Madhya Pradesh's Chambal valley remain untapped despite the area having a number of archaeological monuments dating back to more than 1,000 years.

Once frequented by dacoits, the ancient temples like Kakanmath temple, Chaunsath Yogini Temple and Padawali's Mini-Khajuraho temple are facing a dearth of tourists due to improper maintenance and absence of basic infrastructure.

Mitawali's 170 feet diameter unique creation Chaunsath Yogini Mandir, which is conserved by Archaelogical Survey of India, is a wonder in itself. 'Shivling' along with 'Yogini' adorn each of its 64 rooms. Hence it is quite famous for 'tantrik' rites and often visted by such people.

Likewise, local Padawali-based temple is known as mini-Khajuraho, famous for its well sculpted statues of Lord Vishnu depicting His 10 incarnations. The journey of man from birth to death had been chiseled on stones. Besides this, scenes of Shiv-vivah, nine goddesses and Lord Ram's 'Vanvas' were also carved on stones at Padawali's shrine.

However, near Padawali, there is also a cluster of 400 small and large Shiv temples of 11th century constructed during the regime of Pratihar Kings.

Among these shrines there is also a 115-feet tall giant chariot temple known as Kakanmath. It was built by Kachhwah king Kirtiraj on the wish of his queen Kakanawati at Sihonia in district's Ambah tahsil. It was built with giant rocks without using limestone and mud as adhesives.

''We have great concern for this ancient heritage and we will soon try to develop basic amenities for the benefit of tourists,'' said Collector Akash Tripathi.