Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against Assam minister Ashok Singhal for alleged violation of model code of violation ahead of Assembly bypolls.
Assam Assembly Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia in his complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner said Singhal has violated the model code of conduct by “making unconstitutional remarks”.
Assam will go to bypolls for 5 Assembly seats.
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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.
The bypolls will be held on October 30 in Mariani, Thowra, Gossaigaon, Bhabaipur and Tamulpur Assembly constituencies.
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“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.
“On the other hand, he (Singhal) said that the work would not be carried out if people do not vote for B.IP, further asking people publicly to give with one hand and take with the other,” Saikia stated in his letter to the Chief Election Commissioner..
“Such remarks are very unfortunate because, under a democratic system, there is provision for equal development for all irrespective of race, religion and language,” he added.
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Senior Congress leader Saikia claimed that the voters are being “blackmailed” through such statements.
He also said, “Instilling fear among voters and delivering threats for forcefully garnering votes are gross violations of Constitutional spirit and against Constitutional norms and violates election Model Code of Conduct.”
Saikia urged the Chief Election Commissioner to issue an order barring Ashok Singhal from campaigning in the election keeping in view of his “unconstitutional activities” and violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The Congress leader also submitted a video clip containing Singhal’s remarks along with the letter.