Assam Minister Ashok Singhal Served Show-Cause Notice By EC For Violating Model Code

Guwahati: On Wednesday, the Election Commission of India had served a show-cause notice to Assam's Housing & Urban Affairs and Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal for violating the model code of conduct during his campaigns for the Assam Assembly by-elections.

Assam Minister Ashok Singhal has been instructed by the Election Commission to respond to the notice before 5 pm on Thursday.

This development was made after Congress Leader Debadrata Saikia filed a complaint to the EC alleging that the BJP leader and Assam Minister had tried to "blackmail" the voters by "making unconstitutional remarks" during his campaign in Gossaingaon, thus violating the model code of conduct.

In his letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, the Congress leader stated, "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."

He added, "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 BJP in the bye-election and that construction work on a dyke would be started within two months after voting for the BJP to power. On the other hand, he said that the work would not be carried out if people do not vote for BJP, further asking people publicly to give with one hand and take with the other."

The Assam Assembly By-Elections will be conducted for vacant seats in the constituencies of Mariani, Thowra, Gossaingaon, Bhabaipur and Tamulpur on October 30.

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