Yeddyurappa writes to CEC over 'relaxation' of MCC in K'taka

Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa on Friday wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) over alleged "relaxation" of the Model Code of Conduct in the state, saying any such move will have ramifications on polls in other states.

The BJP leader said the state government went on record on Wednesday claiming that the CEC has relaxed the poll code and permitted it to take up developmental works which include projects related to infrastructure, purchases, and services.

"The state government even claimed that the CEC has given permission to float and finalise tenders on this score," Yeddyurappa said.

He sought withdrawal of any permission given to the state government to undertake developmental works.

"Even if it is assumed that elections in Karnataka are over, the decisions of the state government on various projects will have their ramifications in other states where elections are under progress," the former Karnataka chief minister said.

In his letter to the CEC, Yeddyurappa said, "...In this transition period when the general elections are under progress, the decisions taken by the state government will amount to violation of the Model Code of Conduct..."

Karnataka has 28 Lok Sabha seats. Polling for 14 seats each was held on April 18 and April 23 in the second and third phases of the general elections. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.