GoM didn’t discuss poll code: Narayanasamy

A meeting of the group of ministers (GoM) on corruption did not discuss any proposal to take the model code of conduct out of the Election Commission’s purview, the government said Wednesday after coming under attack from the opposition on the issue.

While the Congress termed the charge “a deliberate act to sensationalise an issue”, the Bharatiya Janata Party called upon all political parties to oppose any curbs on the poll panel.

Speaking to reporters after the GoM meeting here, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy said: “The GOM did not discuss the poll model code of conduct as it is not in its terms of reference.

Following media reports Tuesday quoting a secret agenda note, which said the government wanted to make the EC’s executive powers statutory, the opposition had voiced concerns against the move.

Defending the government, Narayanasamy said “though suggestions on electoral reforms will come before the GOM”, taking away the EC’s executive powers is not in the terms of reference of the group.

“Hence the question of it being discussed today does not arise… it is a media creation,” he said.

The Congress also sought to dispel the controversy.

“This is a deliberate act to sensationalise an issue with no base,” Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi told NDTV news channel.

The BJP sought a joint response against the government’s reported move.

“This is an attempt to curb the powers of the Election Commission,” BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said. “I think all political parties should stand up and oppose this move of the government.”

The GoM on corruption is headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. It has Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal and Law Minister Salman Khurshid as its members.

The issue has become significant as Khurshid and Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma have been recently issued notice by the poll panel for violating the model code of conduct by offering a sub-quota to Muslims during the Uttar Pradesh election campaign.

Narayanasamy further said the GoM discussed several issues, including the procurement bill, which aims to make public procurements more transparent.

The bill, he said, would now go to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and will be finally placed before the cabinet.