New Delhi, Nov 01: Notwithstanding Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi's complaint of denial of natural justice to him, the Election Commission has rejected his plea against transfer of the collectors of Bastar and Jashpur, both accused of violating the model code of conduct. EC sources said that it has asked the chief secretary of the state yesterday to send a panel of alternative names for its consideration.

The sources said the commission was of the considered view that Bastar collector L N Suryawanshi was guilty of violation of the model code of conduct by distributing school bags with Chief Minister's picture even after the ban and Jashpur collector B S Anant was likewise guilty because he had distributed spectacles in an official programme with wife of Jogi, Dr Renu Jogi, and had travelled with the Chief Minister violating the code.

Jogi met Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh yesterday and sought reconsideration of EC's action against these officials and pleaded that they were "hardworking, sincere and honest officers, both of whom belong to scheduled castes category".


Bureau Report