LDF complains to EC against poll code ‘violations’ by Chandrasekhar

The front accuses the NDA candidate of violating model code of conduct by collecting petitions from the public and offering assurances on behalf of the Central government; says he cannot seek votes by utilising his capacity as Minister C.A. Joseph, pionee

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has filed a complaint against Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar with the Election Commission of India (ECI) for violating the model code of conduct (MCC) by allegedly misusing his position to solicit votes.

Addressing mediapersons here on Saturday, chairman of LDF’s Thiruvananthapuram constituency election committee M. Vijayakumar accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate of “rampantly” violating the poll code.

Instances of violations

In the complaint that has also been submitted to the District Collector, the LDF cited various instances including an interaction Mr. Chandrasekhar had held with the students and staff of LBS Institute of Technology for Women in Poojappura on Friday.

On another occasion, the Minister pledged steps to spearhead coastal protection works including the construction of harbour and groynes to address the issue of sea erosion at Pozhiyoor on March 18.

They also alleged that the BJP leader has been collecting petitions from the public and offering assurances on behalf of the Central government.

“While the MCC permits him to solicit votes in his name, he cannot do so by utilising his capacity as a Minister. We demand the intervention of the ECI in preventing the flagrant violation of the law,” Mr. Vijayakumar said, while adding the LDF intended to pursue legal measures to challenge Mr. Chandrasekhar’s nomination.

Rebutting such allegations, BJP district president and convener of NDA’s Thiruvananthapuram constituency committee V.V. Rajesh said the claims were borne out of fear of Mr. Chandrasekhar’s growing acceptance among voters.

He added the announcement made by the NDA candidate that he would ensure that all youths in the constituency would be imparted skills within five years has enthused youngsters and their parents.

Such promises, along with an intervention to resolve the problems of coastal communities, have perturbed the LDF.

Minority votes

Mr. Rajesh alleged the false propaganda against Mr. Chandrasekhar is part of the LDF’s ploy to influence the minority communities.

The NDA will approach the ECI against a circular allegedly issued by the State government to withdraw cases that were registered in connection with protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he added.

C. A. Joseph, Professor (Plant Breeding) and former head of Kerala Agricultural University’s (KAU) Rice Research Station at Mankombu, passed away at Changanassery on Friday. He was 88.

During his 12yearstint at Mankombu, Dr. Joseph played an important role in the development of around 17 rice varieties including Uma, Pavizham, Karthika, Aruna and Revathi that are today widely cultivated across Kerala.

He headed the Rice Research Station at Mankombu from 1983 to 1995. During this period, he also supervised the integrated pest management programmes in the Kuttanad region. He was a gold medallist in the first BSc (Agriculture) batch at KAU during 195658. He secured his MSc in Agriculture with first rank from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in 1962.

Staying connected and visible: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor joins Aam Aadmi Party workers during their protest in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal; LDF candidate Pannian Raveendran meeting filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan at his residence in the city; and a man walking past a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister and BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar and other NDA leaders, put up ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.