EC censures Gogoi for poll code violation Spl Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov 8 In a major embarrassment for Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the Election Commission (EC) has censured him for violating the model code of poll conduct and cautioned him to be careful in future. Acting on a complaint filed by the Opposition alleging violation of code of conduct, the EC said it was alleged that while carrying out the election campaign in Dhekiajuli constituency on November 3, Gogoi had made promises to the electorate that, if the candidate of the ruling party won, he would give a special package for the all-round development of Dhekiajuli, including the demand for its upgradation to a subdivision.
Further, he had promised that the State Government would build a library in the name of martyrs of the movement Mangal Kurku and Dayaldas Panika, who had sacrificed their lives at Dhekiajuli.
The EC issued a notice to the Chief Minister on November 6 seeking an explanation and asking him to explain the alleged violation of the provision of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The code is in operation in the districts of Sonitpur and Dhubri, where the bye-elections to the Assam Legislative Assembly were in progress in 71 Dhekiajuli and 22 South Salmara Assembly constituencies.
In his reply, the Chief Minister sought to explain by mentioning that development of backward and border areas of the State under which Dhekiajuli falls, has been of special priority under the declared policy of the Government of Assam and the party manifesto.
You not only reiterated the stand of the government, you also stated that it is the responsibility of the Government to give special impetus to the development of all areas including Dhekiajuli and that your speech was meant to convey that, said the EC.
The Chief Minister further stated that the issues raised in his speech were in response to specific demands made by the people during his visit and was not conditional in any respect.
The EC, however, refused to buy the Chief Ministers explanations and held him guilty of violating MCC.
The Commission received the video clipping and the transcription of the speech made by Gogoi and has gone through the entire material placed before it.
