Devendra Fadnavis urges chief electoral officer to relax poll code for drought relief work

MUMBAI: Relax the poll code of conduct to allow for implementation of drought relief works, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has written to the chief electoral officer. In the past, the code of conduct has been relaxed for taking up crucial public work projects, said sources.
The code of conduct will be in force till May 23, when 2019 Lok Sabha election results will be out.All four phases of polling in Maharashtra concluded on April 29.
Fadnavis, in his letter, said that works like drinking water and irrigation canal maintenance and drilling of borewells need to be taken up at the earliest and proposed calling for a cabinet meeting on this issue. In the letter, he pointed out that even in 2009, such a relaxation was given. "The drilling of borewells and ponds should be taken up in May, so that they can store water during monsoon. We hope the Election Commission will give a favourable decision," said an official.
Prior to the 2014 LS elections, after voting day, the code of conduct would be partially relaxed. But then the EC framed new guidelines. Now, the government has to send a request for the same to the EC, who will take the final decision.
Meanwhile, the election office has allowed flag hoisting by the CM and other ministers in the state on Wednesday, on the occasion of Maharashtra Day. But it has restricted Fadnavis from giving a speech. Also, election officials will screen the governor's speech.