Yercaud BDO suspended for violating code

Salem: A block development officer (BDO) in Yercaud was suspe­nded by the district collector for allegedly violating the election model code of conduct, here on Saturday.

According to officials, there were reports that M. Jay­araman, the Yercaud BDO, had met highways minister Edappadi K. Palanisamy on Friday at the latter’s reside­nce. Based on the reports, Salem collector K. Mahara­bh­ushanam ordered an inquiry, which confirmed that the BDP had called on the minister, who is at Yercaud campaigning for the ruling party candidate for the Assembly by-election.

As the bypoll is scheduled to take place on Dece­mber 4, the code of conduct came into eff­ect on October 4. As per the code, no government official is permitted to meet any political leaders or ministers till the election was over.

Meanwhile, the nominations for the by-election concluded on November 16. As many as 27 candidates have filed, including AIADMK’s P. Saroja and DMK’s V Maran. Fifteen among these candidates are independents. The no­m­inations will be scrutinised on November 18 and on November 20 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations.