AAP seeks cancellation of Topon Gogoi’s candidature, accuses him of violating MCC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 15, 2024

Aam Admi Party (AAP) on Monday accused BJP candidate for Jorhat Lok Sabha seat Topon Kumar Gogoi of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the run-up to the first phase of Lok Sabha elections slated on April 19.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, AAP state spokesperson Hemanta Phukan said, “A Dibrugarh-based businessman was caught on camera when he was allegedly distributing money to the voters in Jorhat. Distribution of cash to voters in an event is a clear violation of MCC and guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI).”

“It is detrimental to the healthy democracy in the country. We have lodged a formal complaint before the ECI,” Phukan said.

In the complaint lodged before the ECI, the AAP said, “A person was caught on camera distributing cash during a media interaction event involving BJP candidate Topon Kumar Gogoi. This act of distributing cash, which is visible in the recorded video, is a blatant violation of the principles laid down in the Model Code of Conduct for the elections.”

“It is noteworthy that the individual caught on camera distributing cash is also seen in a photograph alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This association raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process and the impartiality of certain influential figures,” it said.

The AAP demanded the poll panel take stringent action against Topon Kumar Gogoi by cancelling his candidature for the elections to uphold democratic values and ensure fair elections.

“Despite the complaint, the response from the ECI is still awaited. We have reasons to believe that there is a tacit understanding between the ruling party and the ECI, whose credibility is also questioned,” Phukan added.