Guwahati, Nov 11: Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia on Monday raised concerns over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ahead of the upcoming by-elections in Assam.
In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, Saikia urged the Election Commission to take action against the Chief Minister, accusing him of using election rallies to announce welfare measures in violation of election regulations.
The by-elections for the Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, Behali, and Samaguri constituencies are scheduled for November 13.
According to Saikia, at a November 8 rally in Behali, the Chief Minister promised a ₹100 crore road development package, the installation of a statue of freedom fighter Chabilal Upadhayaya in Guwahati, and distributed benefits under the Orunodoi scheme to 15,000 people just days before the election.
Saikia argued that such actions compromise the integrity of the election process and disregard the Model Code of Conduct, which restricts the announcement of new schemes or financial benefits close to voting.
Saikia highlighted several promises made by Sarma during campaign rallies in Behali, including the construction of government schools in Tinisuti and Batiyamari, a football academy in Moinabari, multiple bridges, and hostels. Saikia claimed that these promises, made so close to the election date, were attempts to influence voters in favour of the BJP candidate. Saikia also alleged that Sarma offered subsidies on fertilizers, land pattas to forest area residents, and new ration cards to constituents in Behali.
Additionally, the Chief Minister reportedly promised jobs for 1,500 youth in Behali if voters supported the BJP candidate. Saikia argued that these pledges represent “undue influence” under the Model Code of Conduct, the Representation of People Act, and the Indian Penal Code, calling them a misuse of state machinery intended to manipulate voter sentiment.
In another letter to the CEC, Saikia expressed serious concerns about alleged election-related violence and bias in police actions in Samaguri constituency.
Saikia accused certain police officials, including SP Swapneel Deka and two officers-in-charge, of acting under the influence of the ruling BJP to facilitate violence in the constituency. He referenced an October 15 request from the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to transfer these officials to ensure fair elections, which he claims was ignored.
Saikia reported that the neglect led to deadly violence, with the death of Bipul Saikia following a clash between BJP supporters in Bormar Bhogamur. Additionally, in Mari Puthikhaiti village, Congress worker Imam Uddin was shot in the leg by alleged BJP supporters, with police reportedly taking no action against the identified perpetrators.
He also noted incidents of vandalism against vehicles of Congress workers, MLAs, and MPs, documented in live media coverage.
According to Saikia, the law and order situation in Nagaon district, especially in Samaguri, has severely deteriorated, with criminal elements, allegedly supported by BJP ministers, openly engaging in violent acts. He urged the Election Commission to intervene and ensure that law enforcement remains neutral and effective during the election period.
