Friday, September 9 2005 18:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Election Commission today (Sep 09, 2005) pulled up Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda for violating model code of conduct by announcing a grant of Rs. five lakhs out of his discretionary fund for a girl's school in Rohtak from where his son is contesting a bye-election.

Observing that the Chief Minister had made the announcement while attending a Janamasthami function in Rohtak on August 27, the Commission, in a letter to the CM, said it was a clear violation of the model code of conduct.

"The Commission is deeply distressed by violation of the model code of conduct more so on account of the fact that it has been committed by the Chief Executive of the State who, by his exemplary conduct, is required to set the highest standards for others to emulate," it said.

"The Commission cannot help but express its serious displeasure in the matter," it said.