Coimbatore: The Coimbatore division of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has placed 11 employees, including drivers and conductors, under temporary suspension for allegedly violating the model code of conduct (MCC).According to TNSTC officials, the suspended employees were found meeting candidates from AIADMK and DMK in Mettupalayam, submitting requests, and participating in election campaigns alongside party workers when the chief minister visited Coimbatore. These actions prompted immediate disciplinary action. The suspension has been enforced for a period of two days as an initial measure.Meanwhile, employees expressed their frustration, stating that staff shortages had already put pressure on operations, and such suspensions add to their difficulties. “We have been performing multiple duties under challenging conditions. The temporary suspension of 11 employees in Coimbatore has caused further dissatisfaction among the workforce,” they said.However, TNSTC regional authorities emphasised that government employees must not act as election agents, polling representatives, or vote-counting officials for any political party. They also cannot display party symbols, flags, or other political insignia on buses or on government property. The election commission has explicitly instructed that government staff maintain neutrality during elections.Officials added that any future complaints of similar violations will result in strict action, reiterating that public servants must remain impartial and uphold the conduct of rules mandated by the election commission.
