The Election Commission has lifted the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry following the declaration of Assembly election results in these states and Union Territory. The MCC was also withdrawn in states where Assembly by-elections were conducted.
In an official communication sent to the Union Cabinet Secretary, State Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers, the Election Commission stated that the restrictions imposed under the Model Code of Conduct have ceased to operate with immediate effect after the completion of the electoral process.
The lifting of the MCC will now allow governments in the concerned states and the Centre to resume policy announcements, administrative decisions and development-related activities that were put on hold during the election period. The code comes into force from the date election schedules are announced and is aimed at ensuring free and fair elections by preventing misuse of official machinery.
However, the Election Commission clarified that the MCC will continue to remain in effect in the Falta Assembly Constituency in West Bengal, where fresh polling has been ordered. The Commission has scheduled polling in the constituency for May 21, while the counting of votes will take place on May 24.
The decision to hold a fresh election in Falta comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the electoral process in certain constituencies following the recently concluded Assembly polls in West Bengal. Election authorities are expected to enforce all election-related guidelines strictly in the constituency until the completion of the re-poll process.
With the MCC now lifted in the rest of the states and Union Territory, newly elected governments are expected to move quickly on cabinet formation, policy decisions and implementation of poll promises. Political activity is also likely to intensify as parties begin preparations for upcoming local body elections and future electoral contests.
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