Report sought on Jairam Ramesh's visit to Polavaram

Hyderabad: The EC asked Chief Electoral Officer to file a report on Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh allegedly flouting of rules during his recent visit to Polavaram. Details of his visit, whether it was an official visit or a private one, and who foot the bill were sought. The BJP filed a complaint with the EC that Mr Ramesh flouted the model code of conduct by visiting Polavaram and making promises despite not being the minister in charge.

Principal Secretary to EC, Tapas Kumar, wrote to the CEO and asked for the report on Wednesday. In its letter, the EC has asked for details if it was a personal visit or an official visit. Details like the names of officials who travelled with Ramesh to Polavaram and who paid the bills have also been sought in the report.

In its complaint to the EC, the BJP said that the Minister had been travelling extensively throughout the two regions of the current state. The party, in a memorandum submitted to the EC, said Ramesh violated the ‘party in power’ in the code of conduct by combining electioneering work with official work.