EC slaps notice on Union Minister Shinde for breaking poll code

Bangalore, May 10 (UNI) The Election Commission today ordered issuance of a notice on Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for breach of the model code of conduct by announcing a new power project to Karnataka.

Mr Shinde speaking to media in KPCC office had announced that the union government would sanction the project to help power starved Karnataka.

Incidentally the first phase election was conducted today in 11 districts which also included Bangalore city.

EC sources said that the Minister had been served a notice for his statement which was against the model code of conduct as Election process for the 224 Assembly seats are already on and first phase of election was held today.

The EC had also strongly objected to a decision by the Karnataka Governor who had issued a government order making ways clear for handing over of 2200 acres of land to controversial Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Ltd which is developing the Bangalore-Mysore infrastrugture corridor.

Following EC's objections, the Governor immediately withdrew the order, yesterday.

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