Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma gets EC notice over alleged Model Code Of Conduct violation

After Congress demanded strict action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged remarks and "abuse of power" during campaigning for assembly by-elections, the Election Commission Of India (EC) sent a notice to the state CM, demanding his response on his alleged violation of model code of conduct. 

In its notice to the CM, the EC wrote, "The Commission has received 2 complaints, alleging that you, in the capacity of
Chief Minister and the designated star campaigner for Bharatiya Janata Party, Assam have made several announcements at various election meetings."

It added, "the Commission is of the view that by making the statements, you have violated the said provision of Model Code of Conduct and the instructions quoted above. Now, therefore, the Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your
position in this regard on or before 1700 Hrs of 26.10.2021 (Tuesday). If no explanation is submitted within the said time limit, the Commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you."

Congress Demands Action Against Assam CM 

The Congress on Tuesday demanded that a case of bribery be registered against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged remarks and "abuse of power" during campaigning for assembly by-elections. A Congress delegation led by Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh met the Election Commission (EC) demanding strict action against the CM for "misusing government machinery" to lure voters for the upcoming bypolls.

"A Congress delegation met the EC today. We told them how democracy is being crushed in Assam, how Constitution is being murdered, how abuse of power is being done, how votes are being influenced at the behest of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma," said party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. 

Congress demanded that EC take strict action regarding the manner in which voters are being 'lured and threatened', government machinery is being 'misused' for bypolls, as well as the statement of the Chief Minister on record. Addressing the media, Surjewala said a case of bribery should be registered against Sarma and he should be banned from campaigning, after the alleged remarks. 

Image: ANI, PTI