EC wants N-E summit put off

The Commission also moved to ban promotional advertisements announcing the Vajpayee Government8217;s achievements in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, citing the model code of conduct. And, now the EC has asked the government to call off the Northeast business summit. 8216;8216;It would be in clear violation of the model code of conduct as it would showcase the Centre8217;s projects for the region just before the polls,8217;8217; EC sources said.

Reacting to the EC decision, BJP general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi described the EC decision as 8216;8216;improper8217;8217;, and said that election in one state does not mean that day-to-day activities in neighbouring states should come to a standstill. 8216;8216;The model code for the conduct of elections should not obstruct development works in states which are not going to polls,8217;8217; he added.

8216;8216;We are for a complete implementation of the model code of conduct. However, Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are yet to remove hoardings proclaiming their achievements despite Election Commission orders to this effect,8217;8217; Naqvi said.