Bhopal: The Kamal Nath government has issued an official code of conduct for all cabinet members and asked them to avoid controversies.BJP dubbed it a futile exercise to restrain ministers.This is for the first time that the state government has issued unofficial guidelines to ministers to shun the practice of making bizarre remarks. The new rules warn ministers against video recordings without their consent, their conversations with party workers in front of cameras and use of language during their address in public meetings.“Ministers must keep caution in front of mobile cameras, which could record their private conversations. They must avoid sharing secrets in front of reporters and cameras with party workers or department officials,” the guidelines state.Specific instructions have also been issued to ministers to avoid reacting on sensitive matters, which could turn into an opportunity for rival political groups to rake up controversy. The government has also cautioned ministers about their public conduct, interaction with department employees and officials, activities of their family members and relatives, no gift policy, precautions during public appearance, maintaining austerity measures, to be secretive about government plans and strategy and things they should remember during their official tours to other places.“Congress ministers have lost control. Ministers of different factions are embarrassing the government and sparking controversies with their remarks. As a result, the government has been compelled to issue guidelines, but they are useless,” said BJP state spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal.The government’s decision to keep a check on ministers came in view of recent remarks by some ministers which resulted into a big controversy. Recently, Congress ministers were involved in a verbal spat with BJP leaders over appointment of Priyanka Gandhi as AICC general secretary.Some ministers failed to react on farmers’ issue and law and order situation during a sudden spate of killings in the state.A few ministers were found making controversial remarks against top officials and bureaucrats. The Congress leaders had also raised objection to the ministers’ remarks on several issues including party’s stand on Ram temple issue, cow slaughter and crime against women.

Stay updated with all the Bhopal Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.