Bar Speaker from campaigning for byelection: Congress to CEO

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 14

The Congress today submitted a memorandum to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), accusing the BJP regime of misusing government machinery. The party also demanded that Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rajeev Bindal should be prevented from campaigning in favour of party candidates.

The party said in case no action was taken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) against those violating the model code of conduct, the party will be compelled to approach the President of India.

The Congress demanded that Bindal should be barred from campaigning as he is holding a constitutional post which does not permit him to campaign in favour of the BJP candidate. The party has filed four complaints before the CEO pertaining to violation of model code of conduct in Dharamshala and Pachhad bypolls.

The party said specific complaints had been filed against Bindal before the CEO with evidence of his addressing election meetings at Naina Tikkar on October 4 and in Thakur Dwara on October 10. Despite that no action had been taken against Bindal who was freely campaigning in Pachhad Assembly segment.

The Congress also accused Irrigation and Public Health Minister Mahender Singh of violating the model code of conduct with impunity. “He has been trying to lure the voters and GI pipes can be seen lying stacked at various locations like Naina Tikkar, Rajgarh, Rasu Mandir, Dhiman and Wasni panchayats.

The Congress accused the BJP of misusing public property like rain shelters, national highways and other government buildings. “Both in Dharamsala and Pachhad, there is blatant violation of model code of conduct as posters and banners are being pasted on government property,” the memorandum read.

Complaints filed against Speaker

The party said specific complaints had been filed against Speaker Rajeev Bindal (in pic) before the CEO with evidence of his addressing election meetings at Naina Tikkar on October 4 and in Thakur Dwara on October 10. Despite that no action had been taken against Bindal who was freely campaigning in Pachhad Assembly segment.