Chennai: Several Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) staff were spotted campaigning for political parties at Anna Nagar and KK Nagar in the city. The Model Code of Conduct bars govt employees, including transport staff, from taking part in political activities or showing support to any candidate or party. MTC sources said some employees regularly call on candidates and express support. In one instance, an employee took part in a campaign while in uniform. When contacted, joint MD Sundara Pandiyan said no official complaints were received so far. “The issue will be verified, and necessary action will be taken if violations are found,” he said.Recently, seven Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) staff were suspended for similar misconduct in Coimbatore. An order issued on April 4 by TNSTC (Coimbatore region) said the employees, including drivers, conductors and a technician, attended a political event and honoured a contesting candidate. They were suspended for two days, April 5 and 6. The department said that a detailed charge memo would follow.
