Election Commission files FIR against Assam CM for violating poll code

Guwahati: The Election Commission of India on Monday filed a FIR against Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for violation of Representation of People Act by holding a press conference during polls.

“Holding press conference within 48 hrs of closure of polls is violation which may result into action being taken,” the Election Commission said in a statement.

Tarun Gogoi on Monday addressed a press conference despite the directive of the commission not holding it, in what looked like a deliberate attempt to defy the Commission.

The representative of the commission who was present in Hotel Ambrish to convey the directive of the commission told reporters, “The commission has asked the chief minister not to hold press conference as election code of conduct is effective on polling day today.”

Mr Gogoi who decided to go ahead with his press conference had dared the commission to take action against him if he was violating the rule.

“Why can’t they give me in writing that under what provision they have stopped me from addressing the press conference? I have been told verbally only,” said Mr Gogoi adding, “If I am violating the law, let election commission arrest me. I am also a lawyer. They can’t stop me from keeping my view.”

Mr Gogoi told reporters, “If some one is making wild allegation against me, I have every right to clarify it. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that I was making false allegation and referring his wrong speech. I want to clarify that I have the clipping of the Assam Talks news channel where in Mr Sarma said in a public meeting that BJP would plead for making the cut off year for identification and detection of foreigners to 1951 from existing 1971 if voted to power.”

Mr Gogoi accused the Election Commission of India being biased and in favour of BJP. Visibly upset Mr Gogoi said that the commission was targeting the Congress candidates only.

“They have confined one of our ex-ministers Gautam Bora inside the house whereas it allowed BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma to hold motorcycle rally even after the end of electioneering in the state,” said Mr Gogoi refusing to admit that he was having any ego clash with his former colleague and minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Gogoi said, “Why should I have any ego clash with Himanta Biswa Sarma but he was resorting to propaganda against my government.My fight is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi not Mr Sarma.”