Wednesday, February 16 2005 14:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Rejecting Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala's reported 48-hour ultimatum on a decision by Election Commission (EC) on mass appointments, the poll watchdog yesterday (Feb 15, 2005) said it has sought additional information from the State on the issue by February 17.

EC spokesman A N Jha told reporters in New Delhi said that the Commission has sought information from the State Government by February 17 on what basis it was seeking permission for appointments for recruitment made before the poll schedule was announced.

Asked about Haryana's ultimatum, Jha said, "The model code is in force till the declaration of results. The election process has been well defined by the Supreme Court in the series of judgements."

The Haryana Cabinet had on February 11 asked the EC to give its views on the appointments of police constables, engineers, teachers and other category of recruits within 48 hours.

The EC had asked the State Government to put on hold these appointments citing model code of conduct.

To a question on the suspension of a senior IAS officer by Haryana Government, he said that the Commission was seeking full facts from the State.

Meanwhile reports coming from Ambala state that Haryana Chief Minister and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) President Om Prakash Chautala accused the Election Commission of being a "puppet" of Congress and adopting a "partial" attitude towards his Government.

Addressing a party workers meeting in Ambala, Chautala said that he would disclose the "role of Election Commission" to the people of Haryana after February 27, the day results of State Assembly elections would be declared.

Earlier addressing a workers meeting at Fatehabad, Chautala charged the Commission with being a "puppet" in the hands of Congress party.