Congress welcomes EC cognizance of alleged model code of conduct violation by Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a show cause notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeking his explanation for alleged violation of the model code of conduct in the ongoing campaigning for by-elections to 5 assembly seats on October 30.

The EC has asked Sarma to reply by 5pm on Tuesday. Congress has sought bar on Sarma’s campaigning.

The EC Secretary N.T. Bhutia on behalf of the poll panel referring to the rule – “Party in Power …. of the Model Code of Conduct,” said that from the time elections are announced by Commission, Ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof or make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities etc.

“……. The Commission is of the view that by making the above statements you have violated the said provision of Model Code of Conduct and the instructions

Now, therefore, the Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your position in this regard on or before 5 p.m. of Tuesday. If no explanation is submitted within the said time limit, the Commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you,” said the EC’s notice to Sarma.

Congress leaders in their complaint to EC have complained that the chief minister has promised construction of medical colleges, roads, bridges, stadiums, development projects and financial grants to self-help groups of tea garden workers.

An All India Congress Committee delegation of AICC General Secretary in charge Assam Jitendra Singh, AICC General Secretary & Communications Chief Randeep Singh Surjewala submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India, New Delhi calling for urgent intervention and lodging of FIR.

Bobbeeta Sharma, Chairperson Media Department Assam Pradesh Congress Committee said, “We welcome the fact that the Election Commission of India has taken cognizance of the violations of model code of conduct by Sarma during his various campaigns for the Bye-Elections. As seen in the letter itself by EC, it is evident that CM Assam has violated the guidelines and model code of conduct by making announcements of financial grants, new announcements of construction of roads, bridges , schools, medical colleges etc which are against EC guidelines and rules. The most important fact that the Election Commission should take note of is that Sarma is the constitutional head of the state and he is supposed to respect EC’s model code of conduct. But instead it is seen how brazenly and openly Sarma is violating the rules without consideration for EC rules giving the impression that those in power are not accountable to anybody.This reflects a complete lack of respect for institutions and rules.”