EC seeks report on Buta appointments

Taking congnizance of reports about Bihar Governor Buta Singh making appointments to sc, st and minority commissions in the poll-bound state, the Election Commission today sought a "factual report" from the state administration.

"The commission has written to the chief secretary seeking a factual report immediately," ec sources said when asked to comment on reports to this effect.

According to reports, the governor had filled vacant posts in the Bihar Public Service Commission and the Backward Commission as also announced reconstitution of the Citizens Council.

The model code of conduct came into force after the ec had announced the schedule for assembly polls last Saturday.

The Election Commission has also defended the phased out Bihar assembly poll in the face of reservations to it from political parties saying various factors, including non-availability of central paramilitary forces, necessitated the four-phased polling.