The Election Commission has issued a notice to Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. The notice was issued after Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala filed a complaint, stating that Rama Rao visited a government institution and used it for political activities.
The Commission received a factual report on the matter from the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer. It observed that Rama Rao, who is not only a contesting candidate in the upcoming assembly election but also a star campaigner for the BRS, violated the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct by combining his official visit with electioneering work.
The notice stated that Rama Rao visited the office of ‘T-works’ and interacted with a large number of youth employed there on November 20. It reminded him of the MCC’s instruction that ministers should not use official visits for political purposes or make use of official machinery or personnel.
The Commission has asked Rama Rao to explain his stand on the visit and use of the government institution for political activities by 3 PM on November 26. If he fails to respond within the stipulated time, it will be assumed that he has nothing to say in the matter, and the EC will take appropriate action without further reference to him.
