Imphal, December 05 2009: Chairman of MPCC Media Cell Seram Mangi has categorically stated that whether statements given by the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at the occasion of Disabilities Day observance on December 3 was in violation of the election model code of conduct is decided by the Election Commission of India and the Chief Election Officer and not by any political party.

Giving his personal opinion on the charges of BJP State unit president Dr Haobam Borbabu that Chief Minister violated the election code of conduct in assuring setting up of schools and special employment exchange for the persons with disabilities and reservation of 3 percent of the seats in Government recruitment, Seram Mangi maintained that what the Chief Minister had said was only iteration of intention and policies of the Government which are already there.

It was not distribution of goods nor laying foundation stone or inaugurating something, he added.

Salaries of the teachers and bills of the contractors cannot be stalled just because election code of conduct is in effect.

So as there is no such restriction on marking remarks because of the election code of conduct, the statements of the Chief Minister would hardly matter any merit.

Dr Borbabu had contended that since the by-election to the Yaiskul Assembly Constituency is being conducted under the relevant law of the Indian Constitution, and the election code of conduct has already been enforced, the Chief Minister or any of the Ministers can not make any promises during public meeting or give assurance of doing something to the public.

Such promises and assurances can influence and effect the voters.

He had also alleged such arbitrary conduct of the Chief Minister has caused a created serious order and order problem in the State.

Meanwhile, a joint meeting of the BJP's State Election Committee and State Executive convened on December 6 to finalise which party or the candidate would be supported in the by-election.

The meeting would also discuss the issue related to alleged violation of the code of conduct and lodge necessary complaint with the Election Commission of India and the Chief Election Officer, Dr Borbabu disclosed.

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