Poll code not to affect development works

PUNE, May 8: The model code of conduct now effective in wake of the bye-election in Mulshi assembly segment of the district would in no way affect ongoing development projects as well as the mandatory works which are needed to be completed before monsoon, district collector Vijay Kumar Gautam has said.

The electoral process for the Mulshi bye-election is commencing from Saturday with the filing of nominations. May 16 is the deadline for nominations. The bye-election has been necessitated due to the election of Ashok Mohol to the Lok Sabha in March. Gautam sought to dispel the notion that the model code of conduct which came into effect on April 22 has halted all the development activities. The administration has permitted the Lonavla Municipal Council to undertake its routine cleaning of nullahs which is needed to be done before the monsoon, while the Pune Municipal Corporation also is asked to go ahead with its scheduled interviews for the posts of new teachers. Only, the PMC could not issue the appointment letters before June 10 when the electoral process will be ending, the district collector said.

Bore-wells and other water related projects in a few villages in the district were cleared by the administration, he added. Over 2.49 lakh electorate in Mulshi assembly segment will exercise their franchise on June 3 at 360 polling boots, Gautam said. The Mulshi assembly segment covers 145 villages in Mulshi taluka of Pune besides 45 villages in Haweli and two in Welhe talukas.