NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a stern directive on Thursday (May 03), asking political parties to refrain from engaging in activities aimed at enrolling individuals for post-election beneficiary-oriented schemes through various advertisements, surveys and applications.
Expressing deep concern over the actions of political parties and candidates, who, under the pretext of conducting surveys, gather voter details for their proposed beneficiary schemes, the ECI deemed such practices as ‘corrupt’ and violation of Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Highlighting instances observed during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the ECI issued an advisory to all national and state political parties, cautioning against the blurring of lines between legitimate surveys and partisan attempts to enlist individuals for post-election beneficiary schemes.
Emphasizing the potential for inducement and the creation of quid-pro-quo arrangements for votes, the ECI stressed the need to avoid any impression of one-to-one transactional relationships between electors and proposed benefits.
Moreover, the ECI noted the presence of pamphlets lacking publisher identification, a direct violation of Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
In its directive, the ECI instructed all political parties, candidates, agents, and other stakeholders to immediately cease and desist from registering individuals for beneficiary-oriented schemes through various mediums such as print or digital advertisements, pamphlets, websites, mobile applications, text or social media messages, missed calls, distribution of forms, or by collecting personal data offline or through digital surveys.
Furthermore, the ECI directed district election officers (DEOs) to take appropriate actions against any such advertisements within the framework of statutory provisions, including Section 127A and Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as well as Section 171(B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Assam BJP distributing ‘fake’ scholarship forms with PM & CM’s images!
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam finds itself embroiled in controversy as reports emerge of alleged distribution of ‘fake’ scholarship forms.
These ‘fake’ scholarship forms bear images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
These forms, distributed by the BJP, claims to be sponsored by the Assam government.
However, these forms do not carry any government insignia.
Distribution of such ‘fake’ scholarship forms have raised questions about compliance with the model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP in Assam, under the leadership of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been actively campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.
However, distribution of such ‘fake’ scholarship forms, adorned with the images of the Prime Minister and the chief minister has drawn criticism from opposition parties and raised concerns about potential violations of the MCC.
Opposition parties in Assam have accused the BJP of using government-sponsored initiatives as a means to influence voters and garner electoral support.
They argue that such actions violate the MCC, which prohibits political parties from exploiting government schemes for electoral gains during election period.
The distribution of ‘fake’ scholarship forms bearing the images of political leaders raises questions about the BJP’s adherence to the principles of fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
Assam: BJP distributing ‘fake’ Orunodoi forms, claims Congress’s Guwahati Lok Sabha candidate
Mira Borthakur Goswami, Congress candidate for the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat in Assam, has levelled accusations against the ruling BJP in the state.
Congress candidate Mira Borthakur Goswami alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Assam government has been distributing ‘fake’ Orunodoi scheme forms to village women in a bid to sway votes.
Speaking at a public gathering at Shantipur in Boko, situated in the Kamrup district of Assam, Goswami asserted that BJP leaders and supporters are circulating forms purportedly related to the Orunodoi scheme.
These forms, she claimed, prominently feature images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP logo, aimed at influencing village women to vote for the saffron party.
In her address, Goswami urged the public to reject the current BJP government, citing its closure of village schools, permitting the opening of liquor shops in rural areas, and alleged failure to address pressing issues such as healthcare, education, shortage of Garo language teachers, and road infrastructure.
She criticized sitting BJP MP from Guwahati Lok Sabha constituency in Assam – Queen Oja – for “leading a lavish lifestyle in Delhi” post-election and accused the saffron party’s candidate, Bijuli Kalita Medhi, of neglecting the people’s interests.
It may be mentioned here that polling for the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat in Assam is scheduled to be held on May 07.