Ambika Soni accused of violating election code

Panaji, May 29: Flaying Union Tourism Minister, Ambika Soni, for her announcements regarding the development of Goa's tourism potential during her poll campaign in the state, the BJP today said it amounted to violation of the model code of conduct. Addressing a press conference here, BJP spokesman Rajiv Pratap Rudy said he had written to the Chief Electoral Officer, drawing its attention to Ms Soni's statement that the Centre has designed some proposals to create world-class infrastructure and attract tourists to the state in an attempt to enhance the tourism potential of Goa.

He said the Minister also announced that she had taken up the case of extension of tax exemption for the Tourism Industry with Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

"Did Ms Soni make these announcements as Union Minister of Tourism or as a senior Congress leader?" he asked.

Mr Rudy said the BJP has learnt that during her visit here, the minister's stay at the Marriott Hotel was organised, booked and paid by the Union Ministry of Tourism. Her travel payments were also made by the Ministry, including those of her personal staff.

Moreover, the BJP leader said, senior officials of the Union Tourism Ministry had called well-known tour operators in Goa to attend the meeting that was to be addressed by Ms Soni, which was held at the Marriott Hotel and all expenses were borne by the Ministry.

Further, a packet of publicity material was distributed to all invitees which contained details about various schemes of the Tourism Ministry.

"If she came here as minister, why and how did she make the announcements that clearly amount to poll announcements meant to induce voters, especially related to the tourism industry. Was permission taken from the Election Commission about this visit and the announcements that were made by her. If these announcements were a part of her political visit during the campaign, how were the expenses borne by the government machinery?" he asked.

He urged the Election Commission to initiate immediate action against Ms Soni by instituting an inquiry and filing a first information report (FIR).

Mr Rudy said BJP had demanded deployment of para military forces in the state as it feared law and order problems during the polling on June two. He alleged that money was distributed in large numbers in some constituencies.

He said his party had filed about 45 complaints with the Chief Electoral Officer so far.

The election office had acted on his complaints, he said and added that he wanted more definitive action.

As the campaign close date drews near, Mr Rudy said the BJP"s state leaders Manohar Parrikar and Shripad Naik have launched "hurricane campaign" to get in touch with voters. The party was seeking votes for clear mandate to put to the state on the development track once again.

Referring to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi"s second visit to the state today, Mr Rudy said the Congress was in a desperate state, as it had to depend on the services of its national president for two days.

To a question on whether he saw the Congress or the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) as the BJP's rival in North Goa, he said the Congress was the main rival. But, there could be a three- cornered contest in some constituencies.

UNI