SP distributes money on Holi to woo voters

Ettawah (Uttar Pradesh): The Samajwadi Party (SP) could be in trouble over alleged violation of the election model code of conduct.

The party workers were seen distributing money to people at a Holi celebration organised for SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav at Ettawah, his constituency.

SP workers handed out Rs 100 to every person present at the celebration.

When a ruckus broke out during the money distribution, Mulayam himself was seen assuring his supporters that they would all get their share.

“Everyone please be seated. All of you will be rewarded,” Mulayam allegedly told the gathering.

This General Election is seeing the highest expenditure ever by political parties.

But the Election Commission has specified that after the model code of conduct has come into effect there will be no more foundation stones and new projects to rake in the votes.

The pre-poll advertising binge has also finally come to an end. The voter will now have nearly 45 days to work out whether what he's been bombarded with is really true.

So what does the model code really mean? For the government anything which affects the outcome of the polls is out.

This means no more new policy decisions, no ad hoc appointments, no new projects being inaugurated or foundations laid and no using government transport and even accommodation unless its for official work.

However, that doesn't mean that the government comes to a halt.

"Constitutional work will continue," Union Cabinet Minister of Law and Justice, Hansraj Bhardwaj said.

The BJP has warned it will keep a strict watch and point out every violation of the code.

"The Government has been reduced to a caretaker status and its principle job is simply ensuring that day to day work gets done," BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said.

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#General elections 2009 #Mulayam Singh Yadav #Samajwadi party #voters