New Delhi: Disapproving of the Governments' using tax payers' money for its publicity blitz ahead of polls, new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T S Krishnamurthy today (Feb 8, 2004) suggested such practices should be avoided and said the dates for Lok Sabha elections would be announced at the earliest.

"My personal view is as far as possible tax payers money should not be used for electoral advantages," he told reporters soon after taking over as CEC when asked whether there was any violation of the code by Government for issuing advertisements.

Krishnamurthy, however, said he did not want to go further into the issue.

Noting that the model code of conduct would come into force only after the election schedule was announced, the CEC appealed to political parties to start observing the code of conduct from now itself.

Krishnamurthy said as soon the Commission makes up its mind on the Lok Sabha poll schedule "we will announce it at the earliest opportunity".

"We are getting well prepared. At an appropriate time, we will announce the poll schedule. We have certain procedural formalities to be followed, particularly discussions with the Home Ministry and Chief Secretaries and DGPs of States."

The CEC favoured holding of simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies saying Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim have informed the Commission about dissolution of their Houses and "we desire elections there should be held simultaneously".