Assam Cong moves CEC accusing CM of violating Model Code of Conduct

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 21, 2024

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday moved the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for “wilful and deliberate violation” of the Model Code of Conduct during the electioneering for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

“The Model Code of Conduct has come into force from the evening of March 16 and all political parties and its members are bound to abide by it. The Chief Minister of Assam on March 1, while addressing the media, had claimed that all the candidates of Indian National Congress will join BJP if he wishes. He further commented that all Congress candidates will join BJP even if they win election and therefore there is no point of casting vote in favour of Congress,” APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah said in a letter to CEC.

“The statement of the chief minister got wide publicity and it is sending the wrong message amongst voters in general. This, according to us, is in violation of Model Code of Conduct by making such an outrageously false statement which is not backed by any proof, he is trying to influence the voters choice which is not in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct,” Borah said.

“It is also a violation of MCC by making the statement he is also trying to lure Congress candidates which again is not in tune with the conduct of free and fair election. It has been again and again commented by the Election Commission itself that the political leadership during election should not indulge in loose talk during electionary and also should not make unsubstantiated allegations,” he said.

“The CM’s statement on the face of it being a violation of Model Code of Conduct, the Commissioner should take strict action against the chief minister of the state,” he added.

The election to 14 Lok sabha seats in Assam will be conducted in three phases on april 19, 26 and May 7.