The Election Commission of India has issued a show-cause notice to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for violation of the model code of conduct ahead of the Assembly bypolls to 5 seats in the state.
The Election Commission has issued the notice on the basis of complaints lodged by the Leader of Opposition in Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah.
The Election Commission said it announced the schedule for holding the bye-elections to 5 Assembly constituencies in Assam and several seats in other states through a press note on September 28, 2021 and the provisions of model code of conduct for political parties and candidates came into force from that very date.
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The EC said it received 2 complaints along with video and news clippings from Debabrata Saikia and Bhupen Kumar Borah alleging that the chief minister, a designated star campaigner for BJP, made several announcements at various election meetings in Bhabanipur, Thowra and Mariani constituencies.
The chief minister made announcements for establishing medical college, bridges, roads, high schools, stadium and sports complex and also made announcements for giving financial assistance to self-help groups of tea garden workers and for development projects in the constituencies.
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The EC in its notice to the chief minister said “it is confirmed that you have made promises and announcements while making the following statements while addressing the gatherings at various places in the constituencies”.
The Commission said making the statements. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has violated the provision of model code of conduct.
Through the notice, the Commission has given the Assam chief minister an “opportunity” to explain his position in this regard on or before 5 pm on October 26, 2021 (Tuesday).
“If no explanation is submitted within the said time limit, the Commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you,” the Election Commission said in its notice to chief minister Sarma.