Raipur, April 26 (Inditop) Chhattisgarh, that went to polls April 16 for all its 11 Lok Sabha seats, has sought relaxation in the model code of conduct so that it can take measures to help people in the drought-hit areas and provide employment and drinking water there, an official said Sunday.
The official said the state’s chief secretary, P. Joy Oommen, dashed off a letter Saturday to the Election Commission of India saying that “certain pockets of the state are worst-hit by drought and residents of these areas need urgent steps from the government to get over the crisis such as drinking water and employment”.
“Since the election is over in the state and re-poll is scheduled at 25 booths on April 27, I want the model code of conduct should be relaxed in the state from April 28 to enable the government to come to rescue of drought hit vast forested people who are facing employment and severe drinking water crisis,” the letter read.
As many as 20.08 million people are facing an acute drinking water crisis as the temperature has crossed 45 degrees Celsius and the government is unable to supply water or repair bore wells as the model code of conduct is in place in the state.
Counting of votes cast April 16 shall be taken up May 16.
rounak