Palike seeks EC nod for Council meet

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has sought the opinion of the Election Commission of India whether holding the monthly council meeting would amount to violation of election code of conduct.

The BBMP has a convention of holding meetings on the last day of every month. But this month the model code of conduct is coming in the way of the meeting. Initially BBMP authorities were unwilling to hold the meeting but at the insistence of the Opposition Congress, they have approached the Election Commission seeking their direction.

BBMP Council floor leader M Nagaraju said the meeting may not take place because any announcements made in the Council will be in violation of the model code of conduct.

Questioning the need, he said, “What is the point of meeting when there will be mere discussions and no announcements. Any slip of the tongue will cause problems. We are of the opinion that the monthly meeting may be skipped.”

Congress Leader of the Opposition in the Council M K Gunashekar opposed this stand stating there are many issues which need deliberation. “Council meetings are not merely to make announcements. It is also about discussing the problems in City. The ruling party cannot escape its responsibility on the pretext of election code of conduct.”