Poll code turns laddus 'sour'

Setty had placed orders for preparation of the laddus for distribution among devotees at Balaji temples across the state on Vaikunta Ekadasi. He first launched the initiative two years ago as Muzrai minister.

However, the move this year has come in for debate as the model code of conduct for zilla and taluk panchayat polls is in place.

The poll code for the two phase panchayat polls came into force on December 6, the day the poll dates were announced, and will be in place till the process of election is complete - January 5.

Setty on Monday sought the State Election Commission’s (SEC) view on the issue. “I was orally told by the commission that the laddus could be distributed provided the task was handed over to the Muzrai department and there should be no message or names of the donors on the packaging,” Setty said.

When contacted, SEC Secretary D K Ravindranath said the commission will examine the issue and take a final decision soon.

Setty said the cost of preparing the laddus is being borne by him and his family members.