Deccan Herald
 
Bangalore, Apr 11: The Centre has done away with the inaugural function of the Bangalore International Airport (BIA) which was to be flagged off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in view of the ensuing elections in Karnataka. 
 
With the Assembly polls announced by the Election Commission, the Prime Minister’s Office indicated to the civil aviation ministry not to hold the function to open the airport. Following this, the ministry has decided to cancel the event. However, this would not affect the operational activities of the Bangalore Int’l Airport, which will take off from May 10-11 midnight.

till, not taking chances even regarding the launching of operations, the ministry on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission seeking its clarification/direction regarding the opening of commercial operations of the Devanahalli airport. “We see no problem in the operational launch of the airport. However, from the legal and procedural point of view, we decided to write to the EC”, a ministry official told Deccan Herald.

When pointed out that the polling in Bangalore would be held on May 10, the official pointed out, “We are aware of that. But then, the notification will be in force till the end of the election process which is until after counting on May 25. That’s why we are seeking clarification from the EC”.
 
 The EC model code of conduct expressly prohibits official functions to be attended by ministers. It says: “From the time elections are announced, ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof, or lay foundation stone etc of projects or schemes of any kind”. But it does not bar the launch of projects without people’s representatives.