EC issues notices to KCR, KTR for code violation

The Election Commission has issued notices to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and his son, state IT Minister K T Rama Rao for alleged violation of the model code of conduct which is in force for the Legislative Council elections slated for December 27. "...It has been reported to the Commission that you as the Chief Minister, Telangana (i) addressed a meeting organised to admit Congress leaders from Khammam district into the TRS on 28th November, 2015 at your official camp office at Hyderabad and (ii) announced that Khammam district will be developed on par with Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh and that the Khammam district will reap benefits from the unification of Rajiv Sagar and Indira Sagar project...," the Commission stated in the notice issued yesterday. "...the above mentioned conduct on your part amounts to wilful and intentional violation of the above provisions of the model code of conduct, which inter-alia, prohibit such meetings at your official camp office and also making such promises," it said. The EC asked the chief minister to show cause as to why action should not be taken against him for the alleged violation of the model code. The commission asked the CM to submit his written explanation within 48 hours "from the receipt of the notice failing which the commission will take ex-parte action in the matter". The EC issued a separate notice to Rama Rao for admitting other party leaders into the ruling TRS in the Secretariat. "...It has been reported to the Commission that you as the Minister for IT, Government of Telangana, used your chamber (Secretariat) for joining of other party leaders into TRS by placing TRS 'Khanduvas' (a cloth worn on the shoulders around the neck)...," the EC said. "...the above mentioned conduct on your part amounts to wilful and intentional violation of the above provisions of the model code of conduct which, inter-alia, prohibit such meetings at your chamber (Secretariat)," it said. The minister was also asked to reply within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice failing which, the Commission said, it will take ex-parte action in the matter.