EC bars Akhilesh from video conferencing

The Election Commission has barred Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his cabinet colleague from holding discussion with officials of various departments through video conferencing till the elections are over.

A direction to this effect was issued by Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh Umesh Sinha. “During the Model Code of Conduct, no video-conference would take place between the Chief Minister, ministers and political functionaries with the officials,” the notice said.
Sinha has asked all the district election officials to ensure that no such meeting is held through video-conference.

In a notification last week, the Election Commission had said that such video conferencing will be permitted only in case of a natural calamity. It had also said that before organising such meetings, approval of Chief Electoral Officer should be obtained.