File photo: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notice to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking an explanation for alleged violation of model code of conduct during the election campaigns of the byelections for five assembly constituencies in the state to be held on October 30.

Following complaints lodged by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah and Congress Legislative Party leader Debabrata Saikia, the ECI on October 25 issued the notice to the Assam chief minister.

The Congress leaders alleged that, in the capacity of chief minister and designated star campaigner for BJP, Himanta Biswa Sarma has made several announcements at various election meetings held in Bhabanipur, Thowra and Mariani assembly constituencies for establishing medical college, bridges, roads, high schools, stadium, sports complex etc. and also made announcement for giving financial assistance to self-help groups of tea garden workers and for development projects in the constituencies.

“On going through the English transcripts of your speeches, received from concerned district election officers through chief electoral officer, Assam, it is confirmed that you have made promises and announcements while addressing the gatherings at various places in the constituencies. The commission is of the view that by making the above statements, you have violated the said provision of Model Code of Conduct and the instructions,” ECI secretary NT Bhutia said in the notice.

The ECI asked the Assam chief minister to explain his position in this regard on or before 5 pm of October 26.

“If no explanation is submitted within the said time limit, the commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you,” said in the ECI notice.

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Avatar photo
About Hemanta Kr Nath

-

Hemanta Kumar Nath is a Guwahati-based journalist. He had worked with India Blooms News Service (IBNS), Meghalaya Times, Global News Network among others.