The Election Commission on Thursday said Minister K.C. Veeramani had violated the instructions on model code of conduct but it was taking a lenient view and decided to caution him to be careful in future. Mr. Veeramani was issued a show-cause notice as he had, as Health Minister, on October 14 visited the Government Hospital in Salem in an official vehicle and met officials. The model code had come into force in the region from October 4 owing to the by-election to the Yercaud Assembly constituency.
Stating that his explanation was considered, the Commission said that Mr. Veeramani had violated the instructions on the model code which prohibits ministers from visiting poll bound districts without prior intimation and essentiality certificate from the Secretary of the department concerned.
However, there is no allegation that Mr. Veeramani visited Salem district for any political activity.
Hence, the Commission has taken a lenient view and decided to caution him to be careful in future so that such instances do not recur, Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar said in a release.
