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‘Don’t overstep mandate’
After the imposition of model code of conduct, the large number of notices and orders issued by the Election Commission of India (EC) against the ruling Akali-BJP Government has brought them to their toes. In fact, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has asked the State EC not to overstep its mandate.
In an informal meeting with reporters in Bathinda, Badal said that they (EC) should only ensure that model code of conduct is implemented and no one should overstep their constitutional mandate.
Meanwhile, the State Election Commission while reacting to the statement of Badal, stated that there was no reason to fear and the State CM should talk to them directly if he had any specific issue.
“For the last three month we are writing to State Government about the transfers of officers who have spent more than three years in an area, change them if they are posted on home district but nothing had happened,” said Usha R Sharma, special chief electoral officer, Punjab.
As the model code of conduct came into force in the State, transfer orders of such officers were released on the guidelines of EC she said while adding in coming days more transfers might be done.
Badal’s reaction came in the wake of numerous directions from the EC on administrative matters, including transfers of civil and police officers, disbursement of grants in ongoing schemes and deferring the decision of the State on abolition of Octroi on petroleum products sold in urban areas. He had asserted that the manner in which the EC officials were taking their decisions was causing confusion about the lines of administrative control in the State and this could have a negative impact on the morale and efficiency of the law enforcing machinery.
There are also complaints regarding numerous notices issued against Akali Dal candidates and party members. Leaders of the party stated that Election Commission is biased towards the Congress party as they are least bothered about violation of model code by Congress leaders. “Officials of Election Commission are targeting only ruling party candidates for action,” said an Akali leader on the condition of anonymity.
As per the data released from the EC regarding violation of model code of conduct, in eight cases Akali Dal or its candidates were found responsible, while in four cases,it was Congress which had violated the conduct. “In some cases notices has been served and reports are awaited,” said an official of EC. Meanwhile, Sharma said that on the State request, the ECI has cleared transfers of 12 officers of labour department and 19 officers of cooperative department.
EC has asked the Government to transfer the Deputy Suprintendent of Police (DSP), Phillaur as on complaints against him. BDO Khamano, Manjit Kaur has also been asked to be transfered as her niece Akali candidate Justice (Rtd.) Nirmal Singh. is contesting election.
Three assistant directors of horticulture department and three soil conservator officers have also been transferred as per the transfer advisory of ECI.
After the imposition of model code of conduct, the large number of notices and orders issued by the Election Commission of India (EC) against the ruling Akali-BJP Government has brought them to their toes. In fact, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has asked the State EC not to overstep its mandate.
In an informal meeting with reporters in Bathinda, Badal said that they (EC) should only ensure that model code of conduct is implemented and no one should overstep their constitutional mandate.
Meanwhile, the State Election Commission while reacting to the statement of Badal, stated that there was no reason to fear and the State CM should talk to them directly if he had any specific issue.
“For the last three month we are writing to State Government about the transfers of officers who have spent more than three years in an area, change them if they are posted on home district but nothing had happened,” said Usha R Sharma, special chief electoral officer, Punjab.
As the model code of conduct came into force in the State, transfer orders of such officers were released on the guidelines of EC she said while adding in coming days more transfers might be done.
Badal’s reaction came in the wake of numerous directions from the EC on administrative matters, including transfers of civil and police officers, disbursement of grants in ongoing schemes and deferring the decision of the State on abolition of Octroi on petroleum products sold in urban areas. He had asserted that the manner in which the EC officials were taking their decisions was causing confusion about the lines of administrative control in the State and this could have a negative impact on the morale and efficiency of the law enforcing machinery.
There are also complaints regarding numerous notices issued against Akali Dal candidates and party members. Leaders of the party stated that Election Commission is biased towards the Congress party as they are least bothered about violation of model code by Congress leaders. “Officials of Election Commission are targeting only ruling party candidates for action,” said an Akali leader on the condition of anonymity.
As per the data released from the EC regarding violation of model code of conduct, in eight cases Akali Dal or its candidates were found responsible, while in four cases,it was Congress which had violated the conduct. “In some cases notices has been served and reports are awaited,” said an official of EC. Meanwhile, Sharma said that on the State request, the ECI has cleared transfers of 12 officers of labour department and 19 officers of cooperative department.
EC has asked the Government to transfer the Deputy Suprintendent of Police (DSP), Phillaur as on complaints against him. BDO Khamano, Manjit Kaur has also been asked to be transfered as her niece Akali candidate Justice (Rtd.) Nirmal Singh. is contesting election.
Three assistant directors of horticulture department and three soil conservator officers have also been transferred as per the transfer advisory of ECI.
