Uncertainty over conduct of the State Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (May 14) ended with the Election Commission of India (ECI) granting permission.
The ECI stated on Monday evening that it had no objection over the convening of the meeting of the Council of Ministers, subject to certain conditions.
The conditions, according to ECI spokesperson Sheyphali Saran, were any new decisions or revision of rates or any outstanding payment would require the permission of the Commission. The ECI also made it clear that there should not be any media announcement regarding enhancement of rates, etc.
As the ECI did not respond till evening, suspense prevailed over the meeting. There was speculation that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu might hold meetings instead with principal secretaries of various departments to discuss issues, including drinking water crisis, the loss incurred due to Fani cyclone, and the drought situation.
During the day, Chief Secretary (CS) L. V. Subrahmanyam even met the Chief Minister to update him on the situation.