Date:11/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/11/stories/2008051154830800.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

EC clears A.P. Rythu Chaitanya Yathra

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission (EC) has finally given clearance, though with strings attached, to the Andhra Pradesh government’s proposal to undertake Rythu Chaitanya Yathra programme from May 17 to June 3 throughout the State, including ten districts where byelections will be held.

Its green signal has averted a confrontation between the State government and the EC as the Cabinet adopted a resolution on Friday deciding to go ahead with the programme in view of the coming month’s kharif season. The EC, however, laid down the condition that the programme should be conducted by officials and political functionaries be barred from participation.