People's Democracy

             Opposition Urges EC To Take Action

Following is the memorandum submitted by a delegation of opposition parties leaders to the Election Commission on April 13, 2004 regarding the violation of model code of conduct by BJP leaders in the prime minister’s constituency. The delegation comprised of Nilotpal Basu (CPI-M), Kapil Sibal (INC), D Raja (CPI), Danish Ali (Janata Dal-S).

WE wish to bring to the notice of the Election Commission a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of the political parties and candidates and the law by the leaders of the BJP in the prime minister’s constituency. They have organised free distribution of saris to induce the voters making use of the occasion of the birthday of Lalji Tandon, a prominent leader of the BJP, on April 12, 2004 in Lucknow, which led to the tragic death of more than 20 women.

We wish to quote the relevant provision in the Model Code of Conduct.

"(4) All parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are `corrupt practices’ and offences under the election law, such as bribing of voters, intimidation of voters, ………"

We urge upon the Election Commission to take appropriate action against the persons who violated the Model Code of Conduct and the law.