EC notice to Jaya for 'violation' of model code of conduct

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday issued a notice to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for prima-facie violation of the Model Code of Conduct by announcing new schemes ahead of December 4 Yercaud Assembly bypoll.

The Commission asked her to reply to its notice by 5 PM on Tuesday as to why action should not be initiated against her for violation of the Model Code.

Jayalalithaa has been accused of announcing new schemes for development of the area where bye-elections are being held on November 28.

"The Commission has decided to afford you an opportunity to explain your stand why action should not be taken against you for the aforesaid violation of MCC. Your reply in the matter must reach the Commission by 5 PM of 3rd December, 2013," the EC notice said.

"The conjunctive reference to the requirements of the area as brought to your notice on one hand and assurance of meeting developmental requirements of the area by the government on the other is, prima facie, found to be in the nature of making of promise to the electorate of the poll-bound constituency.

"The announcements so made are violative of sub para (vi) of para "II-Party in Power", of the Model Code of Conduct," the EC notice said.

DMK had also complained to the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu about the Chief Minister's announcements being violative of the Model Code and the EC issued the notice after seeking the CEO's views and after seeing the CD of her speech.

The Model Code states ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises like construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities, which may have the effect of influencing voters in favour of the party in power.

While campaigning for the party candidate in the district, she had made announcements of new schemes on November 28 at Kootathupatti village, for opening of new primary health centre at D Perumapalayam Ayothiyapattinam, new veterinary Hospital at Minnampalli, Anuppur, AN Mangalam, new Health sub centre in Neiyamalai, upgradation of primary health centre in Thumbai to a 32-bed, hospital, a new Government Arts college at Valappady, drinking water facilities and other new projects.