The Election Commission of India has allowed the Kerala government to go ahead with the implementation of drinking water supply initiatives in the poll-bound state.
This is despite the model code of conduct for the May 16 Assembly elections being in force, the Election Commission informed the Kerala High Court.
The Commission was concerned about the acute drinking water supply situation being concurrently reported from many parts of the State, and hence the decision.
The go-ahead was granted in response to the State Chief Secretary's request for allowing the supply of drinking water in drought-prone areas.
But this will be subject to certain conditions, apparently meant to ensure that political parties do not seek to make undue gains from it in the run-up to the elections.
These include restrictions on generating publicity to the effort through electronic, print, internet or in any other media, or in any other form.
Exploring options
"No political party shall make any reference in this regard during any public speech or communication to the Press or the public," the Commission said.
"Nor would any political party or political functionary, including ministers or local body members, be involved in any manner in terms of implementation of the scheme."
Earlier, the State Government had run into problems with its Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) with respect to drinking water supplies as also grant of doles from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund at a time when the model code of conduct is in force.
The government has been exploring the option of approaching the CEO for a review of its stand, failing which it would approach the Central authorities.