Poll code norms relaxed by Election Commission
Karnataka government on Monday requested EC to relax poll conduct to carry out development works
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-04-23 06:14 GMT
Bengaluru: The Election Commission has relaxed the model code of conduct (MCC) in Karnataka as the polling for the Lok Sabha elections got over last week. In view of the requests made by the state government, the ECI has decided to relax the MCC, chief electoral officer, Anil Kumar Jha said.
"This is state specific," he clarified. The ECI has given its nod to ministers who can use office cars, staff and other facilities. "The ministers can hold meetings of their departments and can conduct state wide tours using the official
machinery and review the implementation of ongoing programmes," Mr Jha explained.
On whether the government could hold a cabinet meeting, Mr Jha clarified that he had sought an explanation with respect to holding cabinet meetings and announcing new schemes. "I have asked the ECI to clarify on these. In a day or two, I will get the information. Once I get the information, I will inform the state government," Mr Jha said.
On Monday, the state government had made an appeal to the Election Commission to relax the model code of conduct saying it would otherwise affect developmental works.