In a setback to the ruling Janata Dal (United), the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday stayed Nitish Kumar government’s recently-launched ‘Badh Chala Bihar’ campaign.
The EC held the campaign, which authorities said was in preparation of the government’s vision document ‘Bihar @2025’, violated the moral code of conduct now in place for the state legislative council poll on July 7.
The EC’s order, effective immediately, came two days after the opposition BJP complained to the poll panel, insisting the campaign was a strategic ploy to canvass support for the council polls for 24 seats from local bodies. The opposition had also alleged misuse of government funds and resources in the campaign.
“The EC, taking cognizance of the complaint, found that the campaign could influence the voters in the coming Council polls. This is why it has directed the government to put the exercise on hold,” said Bihar’s additional chief electoral officer R Lakshmanan. He said the campaign can be resumed after taking permission from the EC, once the code of conduct is lifted on July 10.