EC orders removal of Sehore Collector

Bhopal, Apr 20 (UNI) The Election Commission has directed removal of Sehore Collector S K Mishra in view of complaints regarding violation of the model code of conduct ahead of the April 24 Budhni assembly bypoll in which Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the BJP candidate, official sources said today.

The commission's action followed a visit by its Director (Administration) Rajesh Agrawal to the state capital where he held parleys with the chief electoral officer and other functionaries today. The state's main opposition Congress and some other parties lodged complaints of code violation and misuse of government machinery.

In a brief interaction with the press, Mr Agrawal assured that the code would be implemented in letter and spirit.

''In the wake of several complaints, I toured Budhni, took stock of the situation and dispatched my report to the commission,'' the bureaucrat explained.

Asked whether more heads would roll, he said no laxity would be allowed and the commission would ensure that the code was strictly followed.

The commission also asked the government to furnish a panel of three officers for substituting Mr Mishra.

Meanwhile, canvassing is in full strength. The Congress nominee is former state minister Rajkumar Patel. Along with Gondwana Ganatantra Party candidate Gulzar Singh Markam, who is also the party's state president, a total of 16 nominees are trying their electoral fortune.

UNI SD-AC SP PA RS1807