TN orders enquiry on Rahul's interaction with students

An enquiry has been ordered with regards to Rahul Gandhi's visit to Stella Maris College to interact with the students, ahead of the polls. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restricts the use of educational institutions, including their grounds for political campaigns and rallies. When contacted, the college authorities reportedly declined to say if any enquiry was made by the collegiate department officials.

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has ordered an enquiry on how a Chennai college gave permission for Congress President Rahul Gandhi's interaction with its students when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force.

The Congress president, in his interaction with students of the Stella Maris College here on March 13, promised 33 per cent reservation in government jobs for women and answered several of their questions.

"The Director of Collegiate Education, R Sarumathidirected a subordinate official to enquire "immediately" on the matter and submit a report," official sources told media.

In a communique (dated March 14) to the Regional JointDirector, Chennai Zone, the director pointed out that in viewof the Lok Sabha elections the MCC was in force and under such circumstances sought to know "how permission was granted" by the college for the event.

Sources said that Stella Maris is one of the ten government-aided colleges in Chennai.

Such institutions are not only bound by State norms, but are also expected to follow the MCC.

According to the MCC, displayed in the Election Commission website, "use of educational institutions, including their grounds (whether government aided, private or government) for political campaigns and rallies is not allowed.

When contacted, the college authorities reportedly declined to say if any enquiry was made by the collegiate department officials.

The Chief Electoral Officer also did not comment.

In his interaction with the students, Rahul had brought up the issue of the Rafale deal and reiterated his allegations about the pricing of the aircraft and the process.

To a question on his brother-in-law Robert Vadra, he had said that the law must apply to everybody and not be applied selectively.

"I will be the first person to say it... investigate Robert Vadra, but also investigate Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.

Vadra is being probed in connection with a money laundering case related to purchase of assets abroad and a land case in Rajasthan's Bikaner district.

Gandhi also questioned whether the Prime Minister could stand in a large audience and answer people's questions.

With inputs from PTI.