Bidar: The State Government has not violated the model code of conduct, and the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations in this regard are false, according to Finance Minister P.G.R. Sindhia, who is a senior leader of the Janata Dal (Secular).

"The BJP has alleged that the Government's announcements on holding a legislature session in north Karnataka, direct appointment of tahsildars and regularisation of doctors working on contract in rural areas are code violations. They are not. The regularisation of doctors is a routine administrative task. Tahsildar appointment is an old programme being implemented now and holding a legislature session in north Karnataka is an idea that has been around since the reorganisation of the State. None of them are new programmes or announcements," he told presspersons here on Thursday.

Asked if these "old ideas" could also influence the minds of voters, he said, "Nothing new will influence the voters. The voters have already decided in favour of the JD(S)," he said.

He said he had never made a comment on the code of conduct affecting development work in the State. What he said was that the code has been in force for the longest period for these elections. The law prevents the Government from making fresh announcements, but it does not affect routine work. Therefore, development of the State has not been affected, he said.

`Government will last'

The results of the panchayat elections will not affect the Government. It will last its full term and fulfil all the promises made in the Common Minimum Programme, he said.

Only Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda can decide on the Government's tenure. They decided long ago that the Government should last its full term. It is wrong, therefore, to assume that the zilla and taluk panchayat election results will bring down the Government, he said.

Mr. Sindhia said there is no threat to his party from the All India Progressive Janata Dal (AIPJD). "Our voters are with us. They will not be swayed by any political gimmicks," he said.

He accused the former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of being confused. He does not know where he stands, he said. "At first he said he would lead a social struggle with AHINDA. Next moment he joins the AIPJD. Then he says he has a tacit understanding with the Congress. He and his followers will not affect our chances," he said.

"Mr. Siddaramaiah should not have yielded to the provocations of some Congress members. He should have stayed in the Government and used his power to emancipate the backward classes. Power is essential in a democracy if you want to bring in social change. You can't do much without power," Mr. Sindhia added.

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