MP seeks poll panel's permission to release funds

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni has sought the Election Commission's permission to use his MPLAD funds for carrying out development work in Uttarakhand.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, Baluni who is also the BJP's media in-charge, said polling to the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand was heldon April 11 but due to the model code of Conduct in force several development works are pending.

"With the model code of conduct in force new decisions cannot be taken as they might influence voters. But decisions which can bring big relief to people without influencing voters in places where polling is yet to be held should be granted the permission of the commission," Baluni said in his letter to the CEC on Wednesday.

Expressing his desire to soon release money from his Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds for development works, Baluni urged the poll panel to take an appropriate decision in public interest.