Assam minister Ashok Singhal has been served with a show cause notice by the election commission (EC) for violation of model code of conduct.

Senior BJP leader and Assam cabinet minister Ashok Singhal had allegedly violated model code of conduct during campaigning for by-polls to five Assembly seats in the state. 

The notice was issued by the EC on Wednesday, based a complaint by Assam Congress leader – Debabrata Saikia. 

The EC has asked Assam minister Ashok Singhal to file an explanation by 5pm on Thursday. 

Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has lodged a complaint with the EC against state minister Ashok Singhal for violation of model code of violation ahead of Assembly by-polls. 

Assam Assembly opposition leader Debabrata Saikia in his complaint to the chief election commissioner said, Singhal violated the model code of conduct by “making unconstitutional remarks”. 

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“Bye-elections to five constituencies of the state are being held but, during campaigning for the elections, it has been seen that Ashok Singhal has violated constitutional provisions and the Model Code of Conduct while making public statements,” Congress leader Saikia alleged. 

By-polls will be held in the five Assembly constituencies of Mariani, Thowra, Gossaigaon, Bhabaipur and Tamulpur on October 30. 

“While participating in an election rally at Gossaigaon constituency, the minister stated that there will be no development in the constituency if people do not vote for BlP in the bye-election and that construction work on a dyke would be started within two months after voting for the BJP to power,” Saikia said. 

Earlier, the election commission had also issued a warning to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over violation of model code of conduct.