Following the commencement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) with the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will no longer be permitted to utilize a helicopter owned by the state government.
In case he requires the chopper services, he has to procure from the market with the expenses to be borne by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and accounted for as the party’s poll expenditure.
On Tuesday, Mann traveled to Mukerian in his official car to meet the family of slain constable Amritpal Singh, foregoing the use of the Punjab government’s extensively utilized chopper.
As per the MCC regulations, the utilization of government-owned choppers or aircraft is prohibited for all state chief ministers, with the exception of the prime minister. Despite requests from several state governments for exemptions allowing CMs to use government-owned choppers, such requests have been denied by the Election Commission (EC).
However, CMs are permitted to use their bullet-proof official vehicles and security vehicles. District administrations are now mandated to maintain records of private chopper or aircraft usage by leaders.
With the enforcement of the poll code, it is stipulated that the CM’s security will be trimmed, and the use of official vehicles will not be allowed. However, due to the Z-plus security provided to the Punjab CM and his presence on the hit list of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), the EC has permitted him to travel with his entire convoy.
Exemptions under the MCC can be granted to leaders facing threats from the terrorists’ organizations. The chief secretary of the state will be held responsible if any leader utilizes an official vehicle and violate of the MCC.