The Election Commission-EC has rejected the contention made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minsiter J. Jayalalithaa about the violation of model code of conduct. The Commission cautioned her to be careful in future and not make announcements of new schemes to lure voters during elections.

In her reply to the Commission's notice, Ms Jayalalithaa said that she had not violated the Model Code provisions and that the announcements made by her were general in nature. The EC had issued a notice to her on 2nd of this month for violation of the Model Code by announcing new schemes ahead of December 4, Yercaud assembly bye-poll in the state.

The Commission said, the Model Code endeavours to ensure level-playing field between contesting parties and candidates in election and alsoto see that the purity of the election process does not get vitiated. The EC said that all political parties, and more so its prominent leaders, are expected to scrupulously follow the Model Code of Conduct, in letter and spirit, and not resort to any subterfuge to circumvent the provisions of Code of Conduct.