FM raps EC 'clampdown' on govt activities

Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday said the Election Commission's "clampdown" on government activities after the announcement of the poll schedule is not justified in a growing economy like India.

"...A number of programmes which require spending have in fact slowed. I don't think this kind of clampdown on all activities is justified...How is it justified in a democracy and in a growing country?" he said in New Delhi. Chidambaram said "only something which has a very clear political significance should be frowned upon" by the Election Commission and normal activity of the government should continue.