The election authorities in Goa Thursday ruled that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant did not violate the model code of conduct by appointing two deputy chief ministers in the state.
The Goa Congress had earlier filed a complaint alleging that Sawant had violated the code of conduct by appointing deputy chief ministers.
 
Talking to reporters, Goa Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kunal said the appointment, which was done by the order of Governor Mridula Sinha, was legitimate as it was within her Constitutional powers.
"The order was an exercise of constitutional powers by the governor. The governor is well within her constitutional powers. We have given a report to the Election Commission (EC) that no further action needs to be taken in the matter and they have accepted our report," he said.
"The government formation process is out of the purview of the model code of conduct and it is guided by the Constitution of India. The code is with regards to any new appointments within the government departments," Kunal said.
The code of conduct came into force from March 10 evening after the EC announced the Lok Sabha election schedule.