CEC Confirms Governments Can Take Policy Decisions Before Model Code of Conduct Enforcement

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that central and state governments can make policy decisions before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) takes effect. This comment followed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's announcements of DA arrears clearance for state employees and increased honorariums for religious clergy shortly before the MCC enforcement, which coincided with the Election Commission's announcement of Bengal's two-phase assembly election dates on April 23 and 29.