HISAR: Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar , in an election meeting on Friday, announced changes in Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran’s (HSVP’s) one-settlement scheme for enhanced compensation dues on Friday, raising eyebrows over whether the move was a violation of the model code of conduct.The announcement came as a relief for All Haryana Sector Enhancement Sangharsh Samiti, an association of people who have been allotted HSVP plots and flats. The members of the samiti had been asked to pay more for their real-estate properties because compensation to be paid to those whose land was acquired for the housing projects, had been increased.The notification regarding the amendment to the scheme, and dated December 14, was later uploaded on HSVP’s website. When contacted, Khattar’s media adviser Rajiv Jain said it was not a violation of the poll code, and the announcement was only a solution to an old problem. He, however, admitted to the CM agreeing to demands made by the samiti on December 7, when the code was in force. “Some people thought that it (enhancement dues) was too much, so we considered them and said that whatever is your objection, where it seems that these rates are high, we will accept it and forgive. Our terms are fixed. I have noticed that some people from Hisar also came to me and I spent three hours siting with them and got settled it with them,” CM said at the meeting.The CM then assured them that something in “writing” would be uploaded on the HSVP’s website within an hour of the announcement.The CM also clarified his statement, saying that the agreement had been reached at earlier, but it would be printed and uploaded on Friday.When contacted, returning officer A S Mann said he had not received any complaint regarding the CM’s announcement. He also advised TOI to talk to the observer. When contacted, observer Vineet Garg first enquired about the CM’s statement, and then said he was in Chandigarh and could not talk to the media. He advised TOI to speak to the returning officer.Samiti president Kapil Vats said the agreement was made on the scheme was made in a meeting on Decemebr 7. “This will help cut the enhancement amount by 60-65%, so we will not be opposing the BJP in the latest civic polls,” he said.The samiti had earlier decided to oppose the saffron party in the elections.Senior advocate Rajesh Jakhar said Para 9 of Part II of the Model Code of Conduct uploaded on the website of the Haryana State Election Commission, “clearly mentioned that ‘From the date election is announced till the election is complete, minister will not give any grant from the discrictionary fund or from the government fund nor will sanction any scheme. During this period no foundation stone will be laid nor will any plan be inaugurated.’ So, this announcement is a violation of this code”.He said this was also unfair for other candidates because they could not even complain. “If they complain, their votes will be affected. Therefore, the Election Commission should take suo moto cognizance of the incident,” he said.

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