EC collects CD of PM's speech

Guwahati, Apr 4 (UNI) The Election Commission (EC) today procured the CD of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's speech at Dongkamokam of Karbi Anglong, where he allegedly announced an economic package violating the model code of conduct.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Asom J B Prakash today told newspersons that the CD was being sent to the Election Commission (EC) for further action.

The BJP had lodged a complaint in this regard and the Prime Minister's office as well as the Congress had denied that any such economic package was announced.

Taking the fight to Election Commission's doorsteps, the BJP yesterday pressed for ''suitable punitive and corrective action'' against the Prime Minister for violating the model code of conduct by announcing a package worth Rs 602 crore in Karbi Anglong.

A delegation of BJP leaders, including M A Naqvi, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javedekar, met the EC members and submitted copies of news reports, video clippings of the Prime Minister's election rally.

''It is pertinent to note here that the Prime Minister is not even hinting at a possible relief but makes an announcement of a specific sum of Rs 602 crore as a financial package for a specific purpose of rehabilitation of the next of kin of those killed or injured in the specific tribal conflicts of last year. The announcement is made in the tribal belt of Karbi-Anglong. Such an announcement almost takes the form of an inducement by way of bribery to the voters of a particular constituency,'' the BJP stated.

''This is a flagrant violation of the model code of conduct.

Part VII of the model code of conduct contains specific instructions to the Party in Power. Sub para (VI) of this part states that from the time the elections are announced by the Commission, ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof,'' it said.

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