AP ministers violated code of conduct: EC

The Commission cited announcements like increasing the income limit for “White Ration Cards”, new power connections, waiver of penalty for power pilferage and enhancement of subsidy for vegetable seeds.

“Though the Government orders giving effect to the announcements made by the ministers have not been issued, the political mileage which the party in power sought to derive has already been achieved as these announcements are in the nature of promises to the electorate of the benefits which the state Government intends to confer on them,” it said.

“No one can be in doubt that the model code of conduct has been violated not only in spirit but also in letter by such announcements,” an EC order said.

It said the state Government was fully aware that the model code of conduct was in force from April 16, at least in 10 districts of the state where bypolls were in progress.

“While the Government chose to ask for clearance even in some routine matters, it is surprising that major policy pronouncements having wide implications on the polls have been announced without making any reference or seeking any concurrence of the EC.”

The state Chief Secretary, who was summoned before the Commission, has been directed to withdraw the order. “The EC has taken serious exception to issuance of order and contents which amount to interference in the functioning of the commission and conduct of free and fair elections,” it said.