Parties seek action against poll code violators

Bengaluru, April 6: Political parties in Kartaka urged the Election Commission to take stringent action against those violating the model code of conduct in force for the May 12 assembly election, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Om Prakash Rawat said on Friday. “Political leaders, including former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, have met the poll panel and expressed their issues regarding code of conduct violations and raised concerns about lack of neutrality of officials in certain places,” he told reporters here after meeting representatives of parties from the state.

The EC would look into the complaints and take action after going through the facts, he said, adding officials have been asked to ensure all observe the model code in letter and spirit. Rawat, along with Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sunil Arora, was on a three-day visit to the state from Wednesday to review the readiness of the state machinery for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election to the 224-member assembly in a single phase. Many parties complained to the poll panel that chairmen, presidents and advisors to various boards, corporations, commissions and departments were still utilizing public resources such as office premises, vehicles and staff, Rawat said. (IANS)