EC Issues Show Cause Notice To Ashok Singhal For MCC Violation

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday has issued a show cause notice to Assam Housing & Urban Affairs and Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal for violating the model code of conduct (MCC).

Singhal had allegedly violated model code of conduct while campaigning for by-polls to five constituencies in Assam.

The show cause notice was issued based on a complain Assam Congress leader and Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia.

In his complaint, Saikia said that the Assam minister violated the model code of conduct by "making unconstitutional remarks".

"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," Saikia said.

"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 alleged.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was issued a warning by the EC for violating the model code of conduct after Debabrata Saikia alleged that CM Sarma had made an announcement of giving financial assistance to self help groups of tea garden workers during an election rally.

Assam by-elections will be held in five Assembly seats of Mariani, Thowra, Gossaigaon, Bhabaipur and Tamulpur on October 30.