The Chandigarh district election officer has recently issued notices to Congress candidate Manish Tewari and the party’s state unit chief HS Lucky. This follows complaints concerning alleged violations of Election Commission of India (ECI) instructions.
An official statement detailed that multiple complaints had been received regarding Congress workers allegedly engaging in the distribution of Congress Guarantee Cards across various areas, including Maloya, Daria, Kishangarh, Manimajra, Bapu Dham Colony, and EWS Flats Dhanas. It is claimed that these cards were used to collect crucial voter details by promising guarantees in exchange for votes for the Congress party.
Field reports from flying squads, compiled by assistant returning officers, supported these complaints. The reports indicated that residents were being asked to fill out forms with their names, addresses, and phone numbers by Congress party workers.
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The district election officer, upon examining the complaints and reports, found a prima facie case of violation of ECI instructions. Consequently, a notice was issued to Manish Tewari and HS Lucky, directing them to cease such illegal electoral activities immediately.
This statement specifically noted about immediate penal measures being taken against any candidate and party officials who would persist with them. Additionally; there would be a show-cause notice demanding an explanation in 24 hours time else a risk of being held culpable for contravening the Model Code of Conduct or other applicable legislations.
The ECI instructions referenced in the statement, issued on May 2, classified such practices as inducements to voters, which is prohibited under Section 123 (1) of the Representation of People Act, 1951. Also, these actions are regarded as being contrary to Section 171 (B) of the Indian Penal Code which is concerned with corrupt practices by candidates during elections.
The Chandigarh parliamentary constituency’s last phase of its Lok Sabha poll is set for June 1. The electoral officers are always vigilant on to ensure that there is fairness in the conduct of elections. The outcome of this situation remains to be seen, depending on the responses from the Congress party’s candidate and officials.
