Guwahati: The Election Commission of India (ECI) served a show-cause notice to Assam’s Housing & Urban Affairs and Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal for violating the Model of Conduct while participating in a by-election rally at Gossaigaon constituency.
The show-cause notice was served to Singhal after Congress leader Debabrata Saikia complained to the ECI alleging that Ashok Singhal has indulged himself in impermissible activities, saying that there would be no development in their constituency if people didn’t vote for BJP in the coming by-election.
In the letter to Chief Election Commissioner, the congress leader stated that “Ashok Singhal during his by-election campaign in Gossaigaon constituency made a ‘unconstitutional remark’ under a democratic system. He said that all the developmental works will not be carried out if the people didn’t vote to BJP, asking publically to give one hand and take with one hand.”
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“There is a provision of equal development for all, irrespective of race, religion, and language. So, I appeal you to issue an order barring Ashok Singhal from campaigning in the election in light of violating the code of conduct.” the letter added.
Earlier, ECI issued a warning to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following Debabrata Saikia alleged that CM Sarma had announced giving financial assistance to self-help groups of tea garden workers during a by-election rally.
The high-voltage Assam by-election will be held in five constituencies of Thowra, Gossaigaon, Bhabanipur, Tamulpur and Mariani on October 30.
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