Hyderabad: The Election Commission has thwarted Governor Andhra Pradesh E.S.L. Narasimhan’s grandiose plans of leaving his mark on the administration in the time available to him.
Bringing him under the purview of the model code of conduct, that is in place since the election dates were announced, the EC has communicated to the state government that the governor cannot hold review meetings with officials or take up any other activities that are prohibited for elected Chief Minister or ministers under the code.
A stickler for rules, the governor cancelled a video conference that was scheduled with all senior officials in the secretariat, district collectors and superintendents of police on Monday.
The Governor wanted to take stock of the situation in core sectors like power, irrigation, rural water supply, agriculture, health and education. He had already announced that he would take necessary steps to ensure that all the welfare programmes of the government were continued. He had even indicated that he would make surprise checks across the state.
Official sources told that Chief Secretary P.K. Mohanty had sought the opinion of the Election Commission on the proposed video conference and chief electoral officer Mr Bhanwarlal had referred the matter to Chief Election Commissioner. The EC’s opinion against holding such video conferences was then forwarded to the Chief Secretary.
Sources said that the CEO had pointed out that the Governor came under the purview of the poll code. The Chief Secretary, in turn, communicated it to Raj Bhavan.
Meanwhile, the Centre is yet to appoint advisers to assist the governor even 10 days after imposing President’s Rule. Mr A.N. Tiwari, a 1969 batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh cadre might become one of the advisers.
