Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 25 (IANS) The Election Commission Sunday issued notices to Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Andhra Pradesh IT minister Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy for violating the model code of conduct.
According to the poll panel, the model code of conduct came into existence after it announced by-elections to 10 state assembly seats June 21 and two more seats July 1, after which government officials and candidates cannot make poll promises to the people.

The by-election will be held July 27 and counting of votes will take place Aug 3.

The Commission said it had received a video of Reddy, who is also sports and youth services minister, promising that he will tackle all problems related to roads and irrigation at an election campaign July 21 in Kunchavalli village of Sirpur constituency.

He also promised that all these projects will be completed within a year.

“The commission is of the opinion that by making these promises you have violated the model code of conduct,” a statement issued here said.

The panel asked the minister to explain by July 26 why action should not be taken against him.

“If no reply is received within the prescribed time limit, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say and the commission will proceed to take appropriate action without making any further reference to you,” it added.

Notice was also issued to TRS president for making derogatory remarks against state Home Minister Sabitha Indira Reddy and also telling voters to take money and liquor from Congress and other parties, but not to vote for them.

The panel said this not only violated the model code of conduct but also meant abetting corrupt practices and amounts to an electoral offence.

The TRS chief has been asked to explain his stand by July 26.