Ministries asked to stop violating code of conduct

The State Election Commission (SEC) of Odisha today asked at least three Ministries to stop advertising government schemes as it was violating the Model Code of Conduct for the three-tire panchayat elections.
The ruling BJD and opposition BJP accused each other of violating the Model Code of Conduct for the panchayat elections that had come into effect since December 27.
The SEC asked the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Ministry of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare to stop advertising central government schemes in the media, an SEC release said.
The commission also asked the Odisha government to remove publicity materials like hoardings, pictures, posters and banners from public places, the release said.

The SEC on December 27 announced a five-phase polling for the three-tire panchayat polls beginning February 13.