EC poll code comes into effect in Kadapa

Hyderabad, Feb. 9: The Election Commission slapped the model code of conduct on 12 districts including Kadapa (YSR district) and Nellore while announcing the notification for the biennial polls from teachers and graduates’ constituencies to the Legislative Council.

 “The code of conduct comes into force from Tuesday evening itself,” said the chief electoral officer, Mr Bhanwarlal. “Visits by the ministers in these districts, holding of asset distribution programmes, and announcement of new policies are prohibited.”

 Asked whether the ongoing Rachchabanda would violate the code of conduct, the CEO said the chief secretary would be informed of the code which prohibited any activity to lure voters.

 “If the state government or the district officials seek any clarification on Rachchabanda they can obtain necessary instructions from the EC,” he said.

 The EC had earlier given clear instructions that only officials should take part in the ongoing public programmes and not ministers.

 To a question, the CEO said distribution of ration cards in the districts where polls are to be held would amount to luring of voters.

 Polls will be held on March 13 for the Kadapa-Anantapur-Kurnool and Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor teachers’ constituencies and graduates constituencies of Srikakulam-Vizianagaram-Visakhapatnam, Kadapa-Anantapur-Kurnool and Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor.

 Notification for elections will be issued on February 15 and the last date for filing of nominations will be February 22.

 The scrutiny will be held the next day and withdrawal of nominations will close on February 25. The counting of votes will be held on March 15.

– source: DC