Assam: EC serves notice to Ashok Singhal for violating model code of conduct

GUWAHATI: Followed by the appeal from Assam Congress, the Election Commission has issued notice to state Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal for violation of the model code of conduct.

Earlier on Monday, Leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia wrote to Eelection Commission urging to bar Assam Minister Ashok Singhal from campaigning in the election for violating election Model Code of Conduct.

In the letter, the Senior Congress leader has alleged that Singhal has made unconstitutional remarks.

Bye-elections to five constituencies of the state are being held but during campaigning for the elections, it has been seem that Ashok Singhal has violated constitutional provisions and the model code of conduct while making public statements”, wrote Saikia.

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“While participating in an election rally at Gossaigaon constituency, the Minister stated that there will be no development in the constituency if people do not vote for BJP in the bye-election and that construction work on a dyke would be started within two months after voting for the BJP to power. On the other hand, he said that the work would not be carried out if people do not vote for BJP, further asking people publicly to give with one hand and take with the other”, the letter read.

He further said that such remarks are very unfortunate because, under a democratic system, there is provision for equal development for all irrespective of race, religion and language.

“Actually, the voters being blackmailed through such statements”, he had added.

It is noteworthy that the Election Commission had also issued a warning to Assam Chief Minister and star campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Himanta Biswa Sarma for violating the model code while campaigning for the upcoming Assam bye-elections to be held on October 30.

In the notice, the EC said it is of the “considered view” that Sarma, star campaigner for the BJP, has “acted in contravention to the spirit of the advisory/instruction issued by the commission” regarding the model code of conduct.

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