Election Commission extends Model Code restrictions to retired government officials

The Election Commission of India has officially announced that Model Code of Conduct restrictions will now apply to <b>retired government officials</b> and state appointees. <b>Political neutrality</b> is mandatory for these individuals, and they must strictly refrain from participating in election campaigns or canvassing during polls. The directive applies to key poll-bound regions including Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with letters sent directly to <b>Chief Secretaries</b> and Chief Electoral Officers.