KPCC flags ‘misinterpretation’ of MCC, says essential works being stalled ahead of Council polls
The KPCC has written to the CEO alleging that officials are misinterpreting the Model Code of Conduct to stall essential works ahead of Council polls.
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SEO_TITLE: KPCC Alleges MCC Misinterpretation in Karnataka
SEO_DESC: The KPCC has written to the CEO alleging that officials are misinterpreting the Model Code of Conduct to stall essential works ahead of Council polls.
TAGS: India News, Politics, Karnataka
SLUG: kpcc-alleges-mcc-misinterpretation-karnataka-council-polls
KPCC flags ‘misinterpretation’ of MCC, says essential works being stalled ahead of Council polls
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has raised a formal alarm regarding the alleged over-extension and misinterpretation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the state. In a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka, the party claimed that field-level officials are using the election guidelines to halt critical public services and developmental projects ahead of the upcoming Legislative Council elections.
The controversy arises as the state prepares for elections in four Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies, scheduled for October 23, 2026. The KPCC argues that while the MCC is a vital tool for fair elections, its current application in certain districts is unnecessarily obstructing the lives of citizens.
Allegations of excessive enforcement
In a formal communication dated September 30, sent by Ramesh Babu, Chairman of the KPCC Media and Communication Department, the party highlighted that MCC restrictions should legally apply only to specific districts and areas falling within the constituencies under poll. However, the party alleges that some officers are interpreting the code in an "excessively broad manner," treating nearly every government activity as prohibited.
According to the KPCC, this broad interpretation has led to the stalling of several vital initiatives, including:
- Drought relief measures and natural calamity mitigation.
- Emergency drinking water supplies, including tanker services.
- The Prajaseva government program.
- Essential public health and sanitation services.
- Infrastructure repairs and maintenance of water systems.
- The release of payments for works that have already been completed.
Specific instance in Chitradurga
The KPCC specifically called out the conduct of the Deputy Commissioner of Chitradurga. The party alleged that the official prevented Municipal Administration Minister Balakrishna from conducting a Prajaseva government program in the district, citing the MCC as the reason. The letter described this as a "misconduct and failure" of the Deputy Commissioner and urged the Election Commission to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
Demanding uniform implementation
The Congress party clarified that its grievance is not with the enforcement of the MCC itself, but with the "over-extension" by officials that results in the avoidable stoppage of essential public works. They pointed to Election Commission of India guidelines from December 2016, which explicitly state that the code should not obstruct emergency services, statutory functions, or projects that have already received administrative and financial sanctions.
The KPCC has requested the CEO to issue clear, written instructions to all Deputy Commissioners and District Election Officers. The party is seeking a system where officials cannot stop developmental activities merely by citing the MCC without identifying the specific Election Commission provision that prohibits such work. The goal, the party stated, is to ensure the code is implemented "uniformly, fairly, and strictly" in accordance with established guidelines.