BBMP to abide by poll code

The State Election Commission (SEC) announced that a 15-point model code of conduct has come into effect from Friday. Earlier in the week, the BJP government did a last ditch effort to implement the Sakrama scheme and the BBMP officials also worked overtime to  push processing of tenders pertaining to developmental work. The code of conduct will be in place (only in BBMP limits) till the completion of the election process - February 25. Elections to all the 198 wards of BBMP are scheduled to be held on February 21.

The code does not permit ministers and legislators to hold official meetings pertaining to developmental projects related to BBMP. However, existing programmes and release of funds for old projects can continue.

According to the code, there is no bar on holding cultural and religious meeting. However, politicians cannot make any announcements that are likely to influence voters. No new appointments and nominations can be made till the completion of the election process. There is no bar on holding political rallies or meetings in rural areas. However, no promises pertaining to BBMP or urban areas can be made at such meetings.
The responsibility of ensuring that the code of conduct is followed has been entrusted to the BBMP Commissioner.

In an unprecedented move, the SEC has decided to implement the code for BBMP elections 40 days after the announcement of the calendar of events. The SEC announced the calendar of events for the polls on December 7 while maintaining that the model code of conduct would come into effect from January 15.