Fear of poll code gets Maharashtra Government going

Under the model code of conduct, once the election programme is declared, the government is barred from taking any policy decision and restrained from shifting officials directly linked with election work and laying foundation stones for new or on-going projects.

“We are awaiting instructions from the Election Commission. We will ensure the code of conduct is implemented in letter and spirit,” a senior official of election branch said.

The largest number of transfers ofgovernment officials take place in the month of May or June every year as per guidelines of the general administration department. But in view of the possibility of the code of conduct coming into force, all transfer orders will be issued within a week, the official said.

As per officials records of the government, most officials of the irrigation, health, public works and rural development departments are transferred in May. “We had sought the transfer proposals from the department, Ministers and legislators in the month of January and February. Accordingly, all proposals are now processed and necessary orders will be issued within a week,” an official of the irrigation department said.

While transfer of revenue department officials has already been banned last month as these officials are directly linked with election work, the question is whether the alliance government will shift police officials who are due for transfer either owing to their promotion or for completing their tenure at the existingposting.

“Certainly, even for routine transfers, we will have to seek the Election Commission’s permission. We will have to submit our proposals to the Chief Electoral Officer for approval,” the official added.

The official confirmed that a record number of transfer and promotion proposals are pending with Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde. “Some of the proposals are of transfers and due promotions, while quite a large number of them relate to routine transfers. Now Munde will have to take a decision before the code of conduct comes into force,” the official added.

High-profile Public Works Minister Nitin Gadkari will be at the receiving end owing to clamping of code of conduct. Gadkari has undertaken a massive programme to construct 55 flyovers in the metropolis. “Eight of them have already been inaugurated in the presence of Gadkari, but now for almost next 10 months, he won’t be able to use that platform for himself as the code of conduct will be in force for a long time. Firstly, it will befor the Lok Sabha elections, then it will be for elections to the Assembly,” the official pointed out.

According to a senior Shiv Sena Minister, once the code comes into force, the alliance government’s work will come to a grinding halt as bureaucrats will then rule the entire state. “Otherwise also, a section of bureaucrats has virtually launched a non-cooperation movement against the alliance. With the imposition of code of conduct, they will become more powerful. On occasions, it has been found that they take full advantage of the code of conduct to settle scores,” the Minister added.