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EC sends notice to Minister

Special Correspondent

Guwahati: The Election Commission has served notices on Assam Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development Ripun Bora and Congress legislator Haren Das asking them to show cause by 5 p.m. on Wednesday why action should not be taken against them for using a government vehicle to make a representation to the EC on behalf of the party here on Monday.

The Commission has ordered a probe into specific allegations of violation of the model code of conduct by government officials who connived in distribution of cash or cheques to beneficiaries under government schemes and also backdated appointment orders.

The EC took cognisance of a complaint against Minister of State for Planning and Development Himanta Biswa Sarma that he "spread disinformation" about the model code. It clarified that the code came into effect immediately after poll dates were announced on March 1.

Chief Election Commissioner B.B. Tandon told a press conference here on Tuesday that appropriate action would be taken if the allegation against Mr. Sharma was found true.

A two-member panel is in the State for the probe. The Commission action followed Opposition complaints of violation of the code by the Congress Government.

Officials warned

The Commission asked Chief Secretary S. Kabilan to personally monitor the implementation of the code and to strictly instruct all officials that it would show "zero tolerance" towards anyone conniving in violations.

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EC sends notice to Minister

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