Election Commission allows Karnataka govt to resume developmental works
While several BJP leaders opposed the move by the Election Commission (EC), many contractors came in together to support for the move in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, several developmental and infrastructure projects were put on hold in Karnataka after the Election Commission (EC) imposed the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). However, the EC on Friday said that the projects may continue and has opted to relax the MCC.
Meanwhile, the EC made it clear that the elected representatives should not be involved in any project's process. A screening committee led by the chief secretary is to take all the crucial decisions regarding the projects instead.
According to reports, the state BJP has opposed the decision of the EC claiming that this decision later may cause repercussions.
Reacting to this, former Karnataka chief minister and BJP President, BS Yeddyurappa said that in this transition period when the general election is in progress, the decisions taken by the state government will amount to a violation of the model code of conduct, which also leads to other repercussions.
Another BJP leader, R Ashoka also expressed his displeasure by stating that the money from contractors may be misappropriated and can be used to fund polls.
While several BJP leaders opposed the EC's decision, many contractors have joined hands to support the move. The Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) on Friday began to plan for the construction of a seven-floor Grameena Abhivrudhi Bhavana and has expressed its desire to invite submissions of architectural designs for the project.
The 17th Lok Sabha elections were held in two phases in Karnataka. The first phase was on April 18 and the second on April 23. The results will be declared on May 23.