Is poll code separate for PM & CM? asks Naidu questioning EC
Mumbai, Apr 23: NCP president Sharad Pawar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu Tuesday hit out at the Election Commission, with the latter asking if the model code of conduct was separate for the prime minister on one hand and chief ministers on the other.
Addressing a joint press meet here, Naidu, on queried about Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a roadshow ahead of casting his vote in Gujarat, said, "Is it for the first time (that the prime minister has violated the model code of conduct)? Everyday there is a violation (on Modi's part)."
The PM is a registered voter in Gujarat, where all the 26 Lok Sabha seats went to the polls in a single phase Tuesday.
Citing an example, Naidu said the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh were over (on April 11) and the top officials in his government were transferred, but the Intelligence Bureau continues to report to the PM "every day".
Naidu said the EC had asked him "not to talk" (owing to the model code of conduct that is in force), but Modi extended support to Sri Lanka after the serial bomb blasts in the island nation.
"Is there a separate code of conduct for the prime minister and the chief minister? Recently, we had heavy rains (in Andhra Pradesh), nine people died.
"(But) I cannot talk, I cannot direct (officials).
What type of Election Commission (is this)?" Naidu asked.
Pawar, who also attended the presser, said he was not allowed to stay in his hometown Baramati in Pune district after campaigning for the third phase of the Lok Sabha polls ended on April 21.
Pawar's daughter and sitting NCP MP Supriya Sule is in the fray from Baramati (where voting was held Tuesday), while he is listed as a voter in Mumbai.
As per EC rules, political functionaries/party workers - who have been brought from outside the constituency or are not listed as voters there - have to leave the constituency concerned after the campaign period is over.
"The BJP complained to the EC saying `I should not stay back in Baramati after the campaigning was over'. I had no programme after my rally (on the last day of campaigning).
"They are not allowing me to stay in my house. On the other side, Mr Modi himself is organising roadshows when election is on," Pawar said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
My party will complete 5-year term, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that the Congress government would complete its five-year term, while sidestepping questions on whether he personally would remain in office for the full duration.
Addressing reporters here, he maintained that decisions on the leadership would rest with the party high command and refrained from giving a direct answer on his own tenure.
“Our party will complete five years,” Siddaramaiah said, when asked if he would complete a full term as Chief Minister.
On the issue of leadership, he reiterated that the final call would be taken by the party leadership, saying, “The high command will decide. There’s no point asking the same thing again.”
Indicating his readiness to travel to the national capital if required, he said, “If I am called to Delhi, I will go,” adding that he would seek an appointment with Rahul Gandhi if needed.
The talks on leadership change have intensified in the power corridor of the state where claims were made that Siddaramaiah would make way for his Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
The Chief Minister also underlined that recent by-election victories in Bagalkote and Davanagere South assembly segment reflected public support for the government, stating that this clearly shows that people have appreciated the Congress government and its programmes.
The CM also dismissed the opposition’s claims, alleging they lacked strategy, and said local body elections would be conducted as per rules.
