GoM makes 'no recommendations' on model code of conduct

New Delhi: The Group of Ministers meeting on Wednesday to discuss the row with EC on the Model Code of Conduct, reportedly did not make any recommendations. There is reportedly no such move under contemplation by the government or the Group of Ministers, sources said.

The war of words between the Congress and the Election Commission on model code of conduct escalated on Wednesday with the latter saying that there will not be any compromise on the issue of poll code violation.

There were reports that the government was considering taking the model code of conduct out of the purview of the Election Commission.

Reports had suggested that the govt was considering taking the model code of conduct out of the purview of the EC.

The GoM, reportedly, wanted the future violations to be decided by the courts.

Talking tough on the issue of model code of conduct, Deputy Chief Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi said, "There will be no compromise on the model code of conduct, if needed it will be tightened."

However, the Congress denied planning to take any such move, saying it was not on the agenda of the GoM.

"From where this idea has come I have no idea. It is not on the GoM agenda," said Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid, however, said that though it was not on the agenda, it could be discussed if raised by some political party at the all-party meet.

"There is nothing on agenda on model code of conduct to be taken out of the Election Commission. There is an all-party meeting scheduled to build consensus on electoral reforms. If some political party raises the matter, it could be discussed but the agenda circulated does not have this," said Khurshid.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit out at the Congress, accusing it of trying to take away the powers of the Election Commission and making it "toothless".

"Congress leaders have absolutely no concern on the EC model code of conduct," said senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley.

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