Imphal, March 04 2009: The address of the Governor which would inaugurate the Budget session of the State Assembly slated to commence from March 17 is likely to be a simple one with no take on the policies, promises and commitment of the Government.

On the other hand, sitting Opposition MLA and leader of the MPP legislature wing, O.Joy Singh, has sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) seeking clarification on whether it would be proper for the Governor to address the first session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly of the year which is scheduled to begin from March 17 in the light of the model code of conduct of the ensuing Parliamentary election which has already been enforced.

According to sources from the State Election Department, even though the model code of conduct of the ensuring Parliamentary election has been already enforced since March 2, the Governor of West Bengal had been allowed to address the Assembly with violating the model code of conduct of the election.

So the address to be drafted by the Govt and delivered by the Governor can be scrutinised and deleted the areas which are in contravene to the model code of conduct, the sources added.

It may be noted here that along with announcement of the enforcement of the model code of conduct of the election by the Chief Electoral Officer, restrictions have been imposed on financial grant or promises, laying the foundation stones of projects and scheme, appointment as well as transfer and posting of Government officials.

Meanwhile, Leader of the MPP Legislature Wing O Joy Singh has sought clarification on whether it would be proper for the Governor to address the first session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly of the year which is scheduled to begin from March 17 in the light of the model code of conduct of the ensuing Parliamentary election which has already been enforced.

In a letter written to the CEC, Joy pointed out that the first session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly for the year, 2009 has been summoned to commence on March 17 and it being he first session of the Assembly of the year, the Governor will address the House under Article 176 of the Constitution.

However, the fact is that the address of the Governor being a statement of policy of the Government is drafted by the Government and it contains a number of promises, assurances and commitments to the people which may likely influence the mind of the voters in favour of the candidate of the ruling party.

Such addresses may amount to violation of the model code of conduct of the ensuing Parliamentary election already enforced with effect from March 2, Joy noted, while requesting the Chief Election Commissioner to look into the matter and clarify whether the Governor is proper to address the House under such circumstances.

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