Assam: Pijush Hazarika accuses Gaurav Gogoi of election code violations during 'silent period'

Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika raised serious allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of violating the Model Code of Conduct during the recent by-election in Behali. 

According to Hazarika, Gogoi and his party members continued campaigning in the constituency during the "silent period" and even visited polling booths on election day, a breach of election protocol.

“Congress leader and MP Gaurav Gogoi went to all the polling booths in Behali to campaign even after the silent period had commenced,” Hazarika told reporters. "Instead of returning, he stayed back in Behali and continued his campaign. I want him to explain on what basis he was campaigning after the silent period was declared, as per Election Commission of India (ECI) norms.”

Hazarika expressed disappointment, noting that, despite Gogoi’s experience as a politician, he engaged in conduct that could potentially undermine the democratic process. The minister asserted that while his own party members had returned from the area in adherence to the election guidelines, Gogoi and other Congress leaders openly canvassed in Behali.

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Questioning whether Gogoi felt entitled to disregard the election regulations due to his family’s influence—being the son of a former Chief Minister—Hazarika criticized this behaviour as a violation of the Constitution that Congress leaders often pledge to uphold. “Does he think he will get away with this just because he comes from a powerful family? Too bad, the law applies to everyone equally,” Hazarika added.

The BJP claims to possess photographic evidence of Congress workers at various polling stations during the restricted period, which they intend to submit to the Election Commission for further investigation. 

Despite the alleged code violations, Hazarika expressed confidence in the public’s support and anticipated a victory based on voter backing rather than political manoeuvring.

Concluding the press conference, Hazarika posed a question not only to Gogoi but also to the general public, asking if such actions serve the democratic process and if they are, in any way, justifiable.