GUWAHATI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam finds itself embroiled in controversy as reports emerge of alleged distribution of ‘fake’ scholarship forms.
These ‘fake’ scholarship forms bear images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
These forms, distributed by the BJP, claims to be sponsored by the Assam government.
However, these forms do not carry any government insignia.
Distribution of such ‘fake’ scholarship forms have raised questions about compliance with the model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP in Assam, under the leadership of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been actively campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.
However, distribution of such ‘fake’ scholarship forms, adorned with the images of the Prime Minister and the chief minister has drawn criticism from opposition parties and raised concerns about potential violations of the MCC.
Opposition parties in Assam have accused the BJP of using government-sponsored initiatives as a means to influence voters and garner electoral support.
They argue that such actions violate the MCC, which prohibits political parties from exploiting government schemes for electoral gains during election period.
The MCC, a set of guidelines enforced by the election commission of India (ECI), aims to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates contesting elections.
It prohibits parties from engaging in activities that could unduly influence voters or give them an unfair advantage.
The distribution of ‘fake’ scholarship forms bearing the images of political leaders raises questions about the BJP’s adherence to the principles of fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
The ECI, tasked with overseeing the conduct of elections in the country, is expected to take cognizance of the matter and investigate whether the distribution of these forms constitutes a violation of the MCC.
Mira Borthakur Goswami, Congress candidate for the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat in Assam, has levelled accusations against the ruling BJP in the state.
Congress candidate Mira Borthakur Goswami alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Assam government has been distributing ‘fake’ Orunodoi scheme forms to village women in a bid to sway votes.
Speaking at a public gathering at Shantipur in Boko, situated in the Kamrup district of Assam, Goswami asserted that BJP leaders and supporters are circulating forms purportedly related to the Orunodoi scheme.
These forms, she claimed, prominently feature images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP logo, aimed at influencing village women to vote for the saffron party.
In her address, Goswami urged the public to reject the current BJP government, citing its closure of village schools, permitting the opening of liquor shops in rural areas, and alleged failure to address pressing issues such as healthcare, education, shortage of Garo language teachers, and road infrastructure.
She criticized sitting BJP MP from Guwahati Lok Sabha constituency in Assam – Queen Oja – for “leading a lavish lifestyle in Delhi” post-election and accused the saffron party’s candidate, Bijuli Kalita Medhi, of neglecting the people’s interests.
It may be mentioned here that polling for the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat in Assam is scheduled to be held on May 07.
