Narayanasamy: GoM Didn’t Discuss Poll Code

New Delhi : A conference of the group of ministers (GoM) on corruption did not discuss any proposal to take the model code of conduct out of the Election Commission’s purview, the government said Wednesday after coming under attack from the opposition on the problem.

While the Congress called the charge “a deliberate act to sensationalise an issue”, the Bharatiya Janata Party called upon all political parties to oppose any curbs on the poll panel.

Speaking to correspondents after the GoM meeting here, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy said: “The GOM did not discuss the poll model code of conduct as it is not in its terms of reference.

Following media reports Tuesday quoting a secret agenda note, which said the government wanted to make the EC’s executive powers statutory, the opposition had voiced concerns against the move.

Safeguarding the govt, Narayanasamy said “though suggestions on electoral reforms will come before the GOM”, taking away the EC’s executive powers is not in the terms of research of the group.

Posted on Feb 22 2012. Filed under Elections 2012. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry