In a big setback to AP Government Advisors like Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, who has been acting as spokespersons of the ruling YSRCP and involving in election related political activities, the Election Commission has made it clear that the Election Code of Conduct is applicable to State Government Advisors also.
It warned that if they crossed their limits, stern action has to be taken against them. It said that they have been receiving several complaints on their political activities and criticizing political opponents organising media conferences.
In view of such a series of complaints, the ECI on Tuesday issued directives to apply the Election Code of Conduct to around 40 government advisers, who are appointed by executive orders and who hold the status of Cabinet Ministers and receive salaries and allowances from the consolidated fund of the state government.
The commission found that they are entering and holding press conferences criticizing the opposition parties. Several advisors including Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy and Chandrasekhar Reddy criticized the opposition after the code came out.
ECI has clarified that after reviewing the conduct of advisers, the rules applicable to the appointment of government ministers will also apply to advisers. It warned that any violation of these orders will be dealt with seriously.
The ECI has made it clear that strict action will be taken in accordance with the election rules, implementation of model code and relevant laws. The EC explained that it has been found that instead of doing the specified work, they are getting involved in political campaigning and holding press conferences criticizing the opposition.
It has been made clear that like the ministers, the code of conduct of elections is also applicable to them, and any violation will be taken seriously and strict action will be taken in accordance with the relevant laws. The Chief Election Commissioner MK Meena has reported the matter to the Central Election Commission after receiving many complaints regarding the conduct of government advisers.
