No campaigning for polls, Pranab warns governors

President Pranab Mukherjee has advised state governors not to undertake official visits outside their states as part of the campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.

A stickler for propriety, the President desired that a reminder to this effect be circulated to governors.

Eighteen governors have spent their life in politics, and are often said to have departed from their gubernatorial responsibilities. It was this that likely prompted his concern to uphold niceties, especially during the no-holds-barred election season.

At times governors undertake visits to their native states before or during elections with an intention to quietly lobby for their political contacts and acquaintances.

Omita Paul, secretary to the President, conveyed his concerns to the governors. He has been informally telling them during the annual conference not to undertake official tours to their home states, seek casual leave, or arrive in Delhi for politicking.

He asked them to instead concentrate on education and agricultural developments in their states.

For instance, Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt undertook an official visit to Sriharikota to witness the launch of PSLV. Tamil Nadu Govenor K Rosaiah went on a six-day visit to Vijaywada to attend a ceremony held for Congress workers without informing the President’s office.