EC questions cabinet decisions during poll code

Shimla: The State Election Commission has sought clarification from Himachal Pradesh govt on decisions taken during a cabinet meeting in Shimla on Friday, when the model code of conduct (MCC) for the panchayat raj institutions elections was in force.The action follows a complaint filed by the BJP, which alleged that the govt approved several decisions during the cabinet meeting that could directly influence voters and impact the election process. Acting on the complaint, the commission initiated proceedings on Saturday. The commission said the matter would be examined in accordance with election rules and provisions of the MCC. In the complaint, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan alleged that despite the MCC being in force, the cabinet approved new schemes, creation of posts and sanctioning of departmental offices. He claimed such decisions could amount to a violation of the election code and may be viewed as an attempt to influence voters during the ongoing panchayat polls. A BJP delegation, led by election cell convenor J C Sharma, met the state election commission on Saturday and formally submitted a complaint seeking a fair probe and appropriate action in the matter.MSID:: 131281546 413 |