Assam chief minister censured for poll code violations

New Delhi, Nov 8 : The Election Commission Sunday censured Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for violating model code of conduct by making poll promises to influence prospective voters in the just concluded bye-polls in the state.

The panel said they had received a complaint that while campaigning in Dhekiajuli constituency Nov 3, the chief minister made poll promises to the voters that if the Congress candidate won, he would give a special package for the all-round development of the area.

He also promised that he would accede to their demand of making Dhekiajuli a sub-division.

By-elections to the Dhekiajuli and South Salmara assembly constituencies were held Saturday.

Following the complaint, the poll panel Nov 6 through a notice asked Gogoi to give explanation for the alleged violation of the model code.

But in his reply Sunday, Gogoi said that the development of Dhekiajuli was declared as one of the priority of the government and was mentioned in the party manifesto too.

In his letter, the chief minister said he merely reiterated the government's stand regarding the area.

But citing the video clipping and the transcription of the speech, the poll panel said the allegations made against him "stand substantiated".

"Therefore, the commission has censured you for the lapse for violating the model code of conduct and has advised you to be careful in future," a statement issued here said.

--IANS