Congress charges BJP with flouting model code in Dhumakot

Dehra Dun, Aug 16 (UNI) Alleging breach of Model Election Code of Conduct by the ruling BJP in Dhumakot Assembly byelection, the Congress today demanded the Election Commission issue instructions for holding a ''transparent and unbiased'' election.

In support of their demand, the Congressmen under the leadership of UPCC Chief Harish Rawat held a dharna at Gandhi Park today. Mr Rawat alleged that BJP has been breaching the Model Code of Conduct at Dhumakot and was openly misusing the government machinery in the election campaign of its candidate Chief Minister Maj Gen (Retd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri.

He said government machinery was being used to create conducive environment in favour of the BJP candidate.

The banners of Congress candidates were forcibly pulled down by BJP and senior leaders and party workers, he alleged. ''It is a conspiracy to break the moral of Congress party workers,'' he said, adding that even they were being charged in false cases.

He said many party workers were issued notice for breaking peace, while, not a single BJP worker has been charged. ''The congress workers were harassed by government officials on the behest of BJP leaders. On the other hand, the BJP workers were bestowed special treatment,'' he said. The Congress Party has urged the CEO to depute Central Observers to ensure transparent election in order to maintain democratic values. All Congress MLAs and senior leaders participated in the dharna.

Dhumakot election, slated to be held on August 29 sees the Chief Minister pitted against Surendra Singh Negi of the Congress. An independent candidate too is in the fray.

Maj Gen Khanduri is contesting the election to attain Assembly membership and it is for the first time in his political career that he will be contesting an Assembly election. Presently he is Member of Parliament from Pauri in Uttarakhand.

UNI