Kolkata, Mar 16 (PTI) The TMC on Monday lodged a complaint with the EC alleging that a BJP MLA violated the election model code of conduct by distributing items among residents shortly after the announcement of the West Bengal Assembly election schedule on March 15.
In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the TMC alleged that Durgapur Paschim BJP MLA Lakshman Chandra Ghorui organised an event in the Station Bazaar area on Sunday, where hearing aids, wheelchairs, and walking sticks were distributed to elderly and economically underprivileged residents.
The TMC said while the party would have always appreciated any such humanitarian gesture, the timing for such a step violated established principles and procedures, as the state is poll-bound.
“While assistance to vulnerable citizens is ordinarily a commendable activity, the timing and circumstances of the distribution are a matter of serious concern. These items have been distributed after the poll code came into force. Distribution of goods or material benefits to members of the electorate during the election period raises a reasonable apprehension of inducement and will influence voters in the exercise of their franchise,” the party said in its complaint.
The TMC alleged that distributing items such as hearing aids, wheelchairs and walking sticks to voters while the MCC is in force “prima facie constitutes the giving of gratification to electors”.
“Such conduct may therefore fall within the mischief of ‘bribery’ and amount to a corrupt practice under Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Such actions are calculated attempts to appease and influence a specific segment of voters belonging to the aforesaid constituency,” the complaint stated.
The party further alleged that the manner in which the items were distributed indicated it was not done out of a genuine charitable motive.
“The timing, manner and selective nature of such distribution clearly indicate that the same has not been undertaken out of any bona fide charitable intent, but rather with the ulterior motive of securing electoral advantage and garnering political goodwill immediately before the electoral process,” it said.
It also urged the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field among candidates, noting that the poll body, under Article 324 of the Constitution, is responsible for conducting elections in a free, fair and transparent manner.
The TMC also said it had enclosed a news report related to the alleged incident for the Commission’s reference.
There was no immediate reaction from the BJP or Ghorui regarding the allegation.
The assembly polls will be held in the state on April 23 and 29, and votes will be counted on May 4. PTI SUS MNB
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