TDP government gets EC nod for 'bhoomipooja' for AP capital

Hyderabad: The Election Commission (EC) gave a conditional permission to the Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday to conduct a 'bhoomipuja' ritual for its capital city and other programmes which are proposed to be held this week.

According to an official release issued by the Chief Electoral Officer, the state government had sought the EC's permission to conduct these programmes since the model code of conduct is in force for the ongoing elections in the state. Other programmes proposed by the state government include laying the foundation stone for an agricultural university and presentation of a report card on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) completing one year in office, the release stated. Conditions laid down by the EC include not making any promise or announcement of new schemes and not calling returning officers for any duty, including protocol duty, the release stated.

-PTI