Cabinet decisions blatant violation of model code of conduct: Congress

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand unit of Congress said that most of the cabinet decisions taken on Thursday were "in clear violation of the model code of conduct", which was implemented in Champawat district on May 2. The cabinet decisions, which were “politically-driven” according to Congress, come in the wake of the Champawat bypoll, which is scheduled for May 31.Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will contest against Congress candidate Nirmala Gahtori for the seat.
Congress general secretary (organisation) Mathura Dutt Joshi said, “The distribution of free LPG cylinders was BJP’s manifesto promise. They had enough time to get the proposal cleared and implemented but they approved it only in the run-up to Champawat polls to woo voters. The decision is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct.” Joshi further stated that other decisions like giving Rs 20 per quintal bonus to farmers during wheat procurement and giving a certain expense amount to employees of the animal husbandry department also go against the provisions of the model code of conduct.
“The Election Commission must take cognisance of the violations and take immediate steps.” Meanwhile, a Congress delegation met EC authorities and complained that barely a few weeks before the elections, the BJP government changed the district magistrate, who serves as returning officer, and additional district magistrate of Champawat. The Congress delegation alleged that the BJP government “misused power” for political gains during the Champawat by-election.