Appointment of two deputy CMs did not violate model code: Goa CEO

The Election Commission has ruled that the appointment of two deputy chief ministers by Goa’s newly elected Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has not violated the model code of conduct.
Goa’s Chief Electoral Officer, Kunal (he prefers not to use a surname) explained that the Commission took the view that the order was a legitimate exercise of constitutional powers by the Governor of Goa.
“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 that no further action needs to be taken in the matter and they have accepted our report,” Kunal said.
“The government formation process is out of the purview of the Model Code of Conduct, only if there are some government appointments being made then those would be a violation,” he added.
The Congress party had alleged that the Goa government violated the code of conduct by appointing two deputy Chief Ministers from alliance partners.
“The issuance of this order during the period of the model code of conduct is a clear violation and as such this order should be immediately set aside and strict action should be taken by the officer,” the Congress had said in its complaint sent in March.

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