The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Assam Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The notice was issued by the Election Commission following a complaint filed by the Congress party against Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Congress party alleged that the state Finance Minister has made threatening remarks against opposition leader Hagrama Mohilary of the Bodoland People’s Front party.
Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) is an ally of the Congress in Assam.
A delegation of the Congress party submitted a complaint to the EC on March 30 and alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma had openly threatened to send Mohilary to jail by misusing the NIA.
EC asks Assam Min Himanta B Sarma for explanation by 2nd April over his statement at a rally regarding which Congress had complained to EC that he “openly threatened Hagrama Mohilary, Bodoland People’s Front Chairperson & INC ally of sending him to jail by misuing Central Agency” pic.twitter.com/fPtQijdxJ6
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
In the show-cause notice, the EC said;
“The Congress party alleged that by the said threats Sarma has also attempted to influence the voters not to vote for INC alliance, including Mohilary’s party.”
“The Commission has obtained a full transcript of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement from the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam and the transcript stated. If Hagrama does extremism with Batha he will go to jail. This is a straight talk. If Hagrama encourage Batha, he will go to jail. Already got lot of evidence. This case is being given to NIA. The recovery of arms at Kokrajhar in a car, that case is being given to NIA. Nobody will be allowed to do unrest in BTR, even if he is Hagrama or any one. This will not be tolerated.” a part of the Election Commission notice stated.
“Whereas, the Commission is, prima facie, of the view that Sh. Sarma has violated the provisions of Model Code of Conduct. Now, therefore, the Commission gives an opportunity to explain your position in making the above said statement on or before 5.00 PM of April 2, 2021, failing which the Commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you.” EC further stated.
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