Maharashtra govt removes orders from website post MCC enforced in state

Soon after Election Commission of India announced poll dates for the state, various government departments in Maharashtra have removed orders published on the official website post enforcement of the model code of conduct.

The website saw a number of orders, or Government Resolutions (GRs), uploaded even after the model code of conduct came into effect on Tuesday following the announced of the state assembly polls schedule by the Election Commission of India.

"We have asked departments to remove the GRs uploaded on the government website after 3.30 pm on Tuesday. It was at this time that the chief election commissioner announced the schedule for the Maharashtra legislative assembly polls, and the model code of conduct came into effect immediately," additional chief electoral officer Kiran Kulkarni said.


The GRs, however, are not withdrawn (as only removed from the website) and their scrutiny will be done, the official said.

"If the GRs are not violating the model code of conduct, then the respective department can upload it again on the state government's website," he said.

What are GRs?

The GRs over various matters, including sanction of funds, transfer orders, appointments to various corporations and committees and policy decisions that are expected to be implemented, are regularly uploaded on the government's website.

The ECI on Tuesday said polls to the 288-member state assembly will be held on November 20 in a single phase and counting of votes will be on November 23.

The key contenders in the Maharashtra elections are the ruling Mahayuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress.

Mahayuti alliance has almost reached a consensus on 90 per cent of the seats and the BJP is likely to contest on more than 150 seats, Shiv Sena on 80 to 85 seats and NCP on 40 to 45 seats. NCP is likely to field candidates on Muslim majority seats, reported news agency ANI quoting its sources.

(with ANI inputs)