Lay down model code of conduct strictly: EC

With the Government showing no signs of withdrawing its pre-poll publicity blitz, the Election Commission today directed the Chief Secretari...

With the Government showing no signs of withdrawing its pre-poll publicity blitz, the Election Commission today directed the Chief Secretaries, DGPs and Chief Election Commissioners to stringently implement the model code of conduct from the moment the Lok Sabha election dates are announced.

During the day-long meeting, the Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy and two ECs B.B. Tandon and N. Gopalaswami asked officials from 13 states of the northern and southern zones to be on a constant vigil to ensure that the election machinery is not misused by the ruling parties or any other candidates.

In a step towards finalising the election preparations, the states submitted the details of their specific requirement of paramilitary forces which would be put before the Home Secretary Anil Baijal.

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‘‘At times, they increase their requirements to cover the minimum, but the Commission is there to rationalise the requirement of paramilitary forces before the demand note is put before the Home Ministry,’’ EC sources said.

The EC also asked officials to fill up their vacancies of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers assigned for poll duties. This would be in addition to the transfers which the EC has asked the state governments to carry.

Except for J-K, the remaining states’ officials will meet the EC on February 16. Another meeting will be held on elections in J-K on February 17.

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