Level-playing field should not be affected: Chief Election Commission to parties

NEW DELHI: As it announced Lok Sabha poll schedule, the Election Commission today said the model code of conduct has come into effect which bars the ruling party from taking any action that would disturb the "level-playing field" required for the elections.

"The Election Commission would like to clarify once again that model code is an instrument to ensure that level playing field is not disturbed during the course of elections...

"Any action which is taken by any authority will be examined with regard to these parameters," Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath told reporters.

He said that "One of the aspects of the model code is that the party in power will not get any undue advantage."

The reminder to the government came amid speculation that the Union Cabinet will consider tomorrow some ordinances.

Responding to another question, Sampath said the EC is "clear" about use of the "instruments" available to it and there should be no doubt over the effectiveness of the model code of conduct.

"We have never hesitated to use our power," Sampath stressed.