Lok Sabha elections: Assam BJP issued notice for 'violation' of MCC

GUWAHATI: The chief electoral officer (CEO) in Assam issued a show cause notice to the ruling BJP, following allegations of violating the model code of conduct (MCC) raised by the CPI-M.

CPI-M accused the BJP of breaching the MCC by gathering people's data under the guise of a socio-economic survey, aiming to boost the count of beneficiaries within a government program.

The notice has been sent to the president of the state BJP division, requesting a response by 10 am on April 8.

As per the accusation made by the CPI-M, the BJP allegedly breached the MCC by distributing application forms under the guise of conducting a socio-economic survey, pledging to extend the coverage of eligible families under the 'Orunodoi' scheme.

The CEO's office stated that although generic electoral promises are permissible, engaging in specific surveys, distributing forms, and collecting data transform the process into a transactional one, resembling inducement of voters, which is a prohibited activity.

The notice mentioned that upon initial examination, it seems that these forms featuring the symbol and images of BJP's star campaigners are in breach of the MCC guidelines.

"You are hereby summoned to provide a written explanation as to why suitable measures for violating the Model Code of Conduct should not be initiated against you," it further stated.

The forms distributed by the BJP throughout the state under the pretext of the survey featured photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.