Bajwa flays AAP govt over violation of model code of conduct, urges SEC to act

Chandigarh: Leader of the opposition in Punjab assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Sunday hit out at the AAP govt over "blatant disregard for the model code of conduct".Bajwa claimed that ration kits meant for poor and needy families were distributed a day ahead of the May 26 polls for urban civic bodies.Putting out two photos, one showing a purported beneficiary with the ration kit having the chief minister's photo, Bajwa posted, "This is a blatant disregard for the model code of conduct (MCC) and a direct attempt to influence voters during the silence period. Welfare schemes cannot be converted into political propaganda using taxpayers' money. I urge the Election Commission to take immediate and strict action."Earlier in the day, Bajwa wrote to the State Election Commission, Punjab, complaining about the "violation" of the MCC. He urged the commission to "immediately intervene and restrain the Punjab govt from distributing the ration kits till completion of the polling process"."Despite my written complaint to the State Election Commission, warning against violation of the model code of conduct, the @AAPPunjab govt has gone ahead with distribution of ration kits in Dhariwal after the campaign period ended," Bajwa posted on his X account Sunday evening.In his complaint to the State Election Commissioner, Raj Kamal Chaudhuri, Bajwa had stated, "It has come to our notice that ration kits meant for poor and needy families have already reached the godowns of the food and civil supplies department and are proposed to be distributed tomorrow – Sunday, May 25 – barely a day before polling."The Qadian MLA stated, "The Congress party has no objection whatsoever to the welfare measure or distribution of ration kits to deserving beneficiaries. However, the timing deliberately chosen by the govt raises serious concerns regarding electoral propriety and fairness. Campaigning for the elections ends today, and thereafter, distribution of ration kits carrying the photographs of the chief minister would amount to direct political messaging and influence upon voters during the silence period."He added, "Such an exercise immediately before polling is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct and is clearly aimed at influencing the electorate in favour of the ruling party candidates."MSID:: 131292088 413 |