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The Chief Election Officer (CEO) of Assam has issued a show cause notice to the state’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, Bhabesh Kalita, following allegations of the party’s violation of the model code of conduct (MCC). Officials familiar with the matter revealed that the notice stemmed from a complaint lodged by the secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Assam unit.
The complaint contends that the BJP, during its campaign in parliamentary constituencies across Assam, has been distributing forms under the guise of a socioeconomic survey. These forms allegedly feature photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, promising government schemes—a direct policy matter of the state government and a violation of the MCC.
The show cause notice, issued on April 5, calls upon the Assam BJP chief to provide a written explanation before 10am on April 8. Failure to respond within 72 hours will prompt the election office to take appropriate action.
The BJP has yet to respond to the notice.
The complaint further asserts that the forms distributed by the BJP pledge to expand eligible families under the state government’s Orunodoi scheme. Launched on October 2, 2020, the Orunodoi scheme aims to provide monetary benefits to over 240,000 poor households in Assam, with monthly deposits of Rs. 1,250 into the bank accounts of eligible women.
Chief Minister Sarma, during his campaign launch on March 18, announced the BJP’s intention to conduct a socioeconomic survey alongside election campaigns. This survey aims to identify and fulfill the needs of the common people by 2026, focusing on infrastructure requirements, educational support, and other essential services.
Sarma emphasized the survey’s significance in understanding the development needs of Assam’s populace, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and facilitating educational opportunities for students.
