The Election Commission has issued a notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for violating the Model Code of Conduct during the...
The Election Commission has issued a notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for violating the Model Code of Conduct during the campaigning for the bye-polls in the state, reported The Hindu on Wednesday.
The notice, issued on Monday, was based on complaints filed by state Congress leaders Debabrata Saikia and Bhupen Kumar Borah. The poll panel has sought a reply within 24 hours.
An official working for the chief electoral officer of Assam told The Telegraph that Sarma has replied to the notice but did not reveal the details.
The Congress leaders had accused Sarma of making several announcements during election meetings held in Bhabanipur, Thowra and Mariani Assembly constituencies. These included building medical colleges, bridges, roads, high schools and stadiums. He also promised financial aid for self-help groups of tea garden workers.
The Congress leaders had submitted videos and newspaper clips to support their complaints.
The bye-polls for five Assembly seats – Bhabanipur, Thowra, Mariani, Gossaigaon and Tamulpur – will be held on Saturday.
Sarma had made the speeches on October 8, October 20, October 21 and October 22, according to the complaints by the Congress leaders. The Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 28, when the Election Commission announced the date of the bye-polls.
In the notice, the poll panel said that after...
