Raman asks EC to lift Model Code of Conduct in Chhattisgarh

     Raipur, April 23, 2009: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh today asked for immediate lifting of model code of conduct, imposed by the Election Commission of India for the Lok Sabha Poll, as the model code was hampering the development of the state.

      “Since the election in the state has long been over, the model code of conduct should immediately be lifted,” the Chief Minister told the ChhattisgarhTopNews.Com.

     Although the Chief Minister refused to talk more on the issue, but it is learnt that Singh had asked his Chief Secretary P Joy Oommen to be in touch with the Commission on the issue.

      The bureaucracy has been asked by the Chief Minister to write to the Election Commission for immediate lifting of the Model Code of Conduct in the state, top officials said.

      Election was over in the state on April 16 and there was no reason for continuation of the model code of conduct in the state, was the opinion of the state BJP government, who wanted to carry out its day to day activities as a popular government.

      “The state is facing a drought like situation in many of its territory and there is an acute shortage of drinking water in many other areas. Also the works under the employment guarantee scheme have been affected due to a blanket ban on any new work by the Election Commission in the name of model code of conduct,” the officials said.

      Since the Election Commission had failed to clear the files on all those matters resulting in people reeling under crisis, it was better the ban under the Model Code be lifted, they said adding steps are being taken in that direction.