Assam: Congress Moves ECI Accusing CM Himanta Sarma Of Violating MCC

Assam Congress lodged a complaint against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma with ECI, alleging that his remarks during one of his campaign trails violated the model code of conduct.

File photo of APCC President Bhupen Kumar Borah and Assam CM Himanta Biswa ( Image Source :PTI )

Guwahati: The Assam Congress on Thursday said that it has lodged a complaint against senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that the latter’s remarks during one of his recent campaign trails violated the model code of conduct.  

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Kumar Borah in a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that CM Sarma has “willfully” and “deliberately” violated the model code of conduct.  

“With due respect, I would like to inform you that the Model Code of Conduct has come into force from the evening of 6-3-2024 and all political parties and its members are bound to abide by the same. Sir, the Chief Minister of Assam on 18th March 2024 while addressing the media, had claimed that all the candidates of the Indian National Congress party will join BJP if he wishes. He further commented that all Congress candidates will join the BJP even if they win the election and therefore there is no point in casting a vote in favor of Congress. The said statement of the Chief Minister of Assam got wide publicity and it is sending the wrong message amongst voters in general,” Borah stated in his letter.

The APCC chief added that the Chief Minister’s remarks have violated the model code of conduct on two accounts.

“This, according to us is in violation of the Model Code of Conduct on two counts: (a) by making such an outrageously false statement which is not backed by any proof, he is trying to influence the voter's choice which is not in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct; (b) by making the said statements he is also trying to lure Congress candidates which again is not in tune with the conduct of free and fair election. It has been again and again commented by the Election Commission itself that the political leadership during the election should not indulge in loose talk during electionary and also should not make unsubstantiated allegation,” Borah added in the letter.

Borah urged the Chief Election Commissioner to initiate “strict action” against CM Sarma for the alleged violation of the model code of conduct.

“The above-referred statement on the face of it being a violation of model code of conduct, the Hon’ble Commissioner should take strict action against the Chief Minister of the State. We hope the Election Commission of India by maintaining its impartiality will initiate action against the Chief Minister of Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sharma,” Borah further stated in his letter.