New Delhi: BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission alleging violation of model code by union minister Jairam Ramesh in Andhra Pradesh by combining official work with party "propaganda".
In a memorandum submitted to the EC, a BJP delegation said Ramesh, Rural Development Minister, has been touring Andhra Pradesh extensively where elections are being held simultaneously to the Lok Sabha as well the assembly, violating the model code of conduct.
BJP claimed Ramesh had visited the Polavaram project along with party leaders and held detailed discussions with engineers on the issue of reducing the dam`s height to minimise submergence.
"He reportedly explained to the people in detail about how the central government declared it as a central project and how the government could take up relief and rehabilitation package for submergence areas...It may also be pertinent to bring to your notice that the Minister concerned has, for quite some time, been travelling extensively in both the successor states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to propagate and further his party`s political interests in both the regions," the memorandum said.
Referring to the `party in power` clause in the model code, BJP said Ramesh "wilfully" flouted the provisions "by combining official work with party propaganda."
BJP said since Ramesh is not the minister in charge of the project, he is not expected to make comments or remarks which amount to violation of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.
"He is seen indulging actively in promoting and propagating the prospects of his party in the ensuing elections. Not only on this issue, but he has kept on making promises that Rs 50,000 crore package will be given to the successor state of Andhra Pradesh and that the new capital will be finalised by September and he has made mention of certain locations as the capital city," the memorandum read.
BJP said his announcements and promises are likely to influence or confuse the minds of voters and amount to violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
