Andhra Pradesh Governor heads for showdown with Election Commission

Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan appears to be heading for a showdown with the Election Commission.

After being prevented by the EC from holding a video conference with the state administration on a range of issues, the Governor on Wednesday held a series of review meetings with senior state officials at Raj Bhavan, a prohibited activity under the model code of conduct in force since the announcement of the general elections.

The Governor dashed off a strongly worded letter to Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwarlal in which he has taken objection to the CEO’s observations bringing him (the Governor) under the purview of the code of conduct.

“He was upset over being told about the dos and don’ts,” said a Raj Bhavan source.

Chief secretary P.K. Mohanty had referred the request for a video conference by Raj Bhavan to the CEO who in turn obtained the opinion of the Chief Election Commissioner V. Sampath.

Based on the CEC’s view, Mr Bhanwarlal informed the chief secretary that the code of conduct covered the Governor too. The Election Commissioner contended that the Governor holds the position of the Chief Minister under President’s Rule.

Mr Narasimhan, however, held a review meeting with revenue officials on mobilisation of resources. State revenues have fallen short of the target by rupees 9,000 crore.

Commercial taxes commissioner Hiralal Samaria and other officials gave a detailed presentation.

In the evening, the Governor reviewed the power sector with special chief secretary, energy, M. Sahoo, Transco CMD Suresh Chanda and Genco CMD K. Vijayanand.

The Governor also took part in the opening of the civil aviation show at Begumpet, where Union civil aviation minister Ajit Singh was present.

Civil aviation officials told this newspaper that prior permission had been taken from the Election Commission because the inaugural was fixed much before the announcement of polls.

The Governor is likely to hold reviews of the health, education and law and order departments.

“It is part of day-to-day administration. After all, he is not a politician and will not make use of the reviews to impress voters,” said a Raj Bhavan source.

Significantly, the Raj Bhavan has obtained an oral opinion from the Election Commission that the Governor’s office need not intimate to and obtain permission from the EC every time Mr Narasimhan undertakes visit in the state.

Governor’s special chief secretary N. Ramesh Kumar has informed the CEO in this regard.