Raman gov violates model election code of conduct: Mahant

Raipur, Jan 6 (UNI) Alleging that several announcements made by the BJP-led Chhattisgarh government after the declaration of Keshkal Assembly constituency's bypoll schedule is an open violation of model code of conduct, State Congress President Charandas Mahant said today that their party would make a complaint to the Election Commission in this regard.

Mr Mahant told UNI here today that by launching a publicity drive to provide rice at Rs 3 kg to the common people and sending a letter to the Union Parliamentary Affairs Ministry to provide the representation of state's five backward tribes -- Baiga, Pahari Korba, Birhor, Abujhmadia and Kamar, in the Assembly, the state government is trying to influence the by-election.

Pointing out that in this regard a release was also published in the local newspaper today he said the Keshkal constituency was tribal-dominated and was reserved for Scheduled Tribe. The seat fell vacant following the death of former BJP MLA Mahesh Baghel.

''In order to provide factual data to the election commission, party members were asked to collect all the details against the ruling party regarding their violation of the model code of conduct,'' Mr Mahant added.

UNI AS-KV 1537