The Commission also called upon various political parties, especially their leaders, to scrupulously follow the mode code, aimed at ensuring a level-playing field, and not resort to any "subterfuge" to circumvent it.
"The Commission rejects the contention made in the reply of J Jayalalithaa and has decided to advise her to be careful in future and not make such announcements of new schemes for electorate with a view to alluring them," it said.
The EC had issued a notice to Jayalalithaa on December 2 after she was allegedly announced new schemes for the development of Yercaud, at a poll meeting on November 28 in Kootathupatti village.
The Commission reminded the chief minister that the mode code endeavours to ensure a level-playing field between contesting parties and candidates.
Jayalalithaa had, in her reply to the EC notice, denied violating the poll code and argued that the announcements made by her were general in nature. The Commission held that the conjunctive reference to the specific new schemes required in this area, followed by assurance to do whatever is required for the upliftment of the area, was tantamount to announcement of new schemes for the electorate of Yercaud assembly constituency and hence constituted violation of the mode code.
The poll code says that from the time elections are announced by the Commission, ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises or make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities etc; which may have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power.
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