EC relaxes poll code in K’taka, developmental projects to continue

Lok Sabha 2019

The BJP, however, has opposed the decision of the EC stating that this may have repercussions at a later point.

TNM Staff

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A number of developmental and infrastructure projects were put on hold in the state of Karnataka in view of the Election Commission imposing the model code of conduct ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. On Friday, the Election Commission stated that the projects may continue and has opted to relax the model code of conduct. However, the EC made it clear that no elected representative should be involved in any aspect of any project’s process. A screening committee led by the Chief Secretary is to take all the important decisions regarding the projects instead. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has opposed the decision of the EC stating that this decision may have repercussions at a later point. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and State BJP President, BS Yeddyurappa expressed his displeasure with the EC’s current decision. “My gut feeling is, in this transition period when the general elections are in progress, the decisions taken by the state government will amount to violation of the model code of conduct, leading to various irregularities,” he said. Another senior BJP leader, R Ashoka, legislator and coordinator of the party’s campaign in the state, said that he fears that the money from contractors may be misappropriated and used to fund polls. While the BJP leaders have opposed the decision, several contractors have shown their support for the move. In light of the Election Commission’s latest decision, the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) has begun to plan for the construction of a seven-floor Grameena Abhivrudhi Bhavana on Friday and has expressed its desire to invite submissions of architectural designs for the project. Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka were held in two phases – the first on April 18 and the second on April 23. Results to the elections will be declared on May 23.

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