Guwahati, 17th May: The Assam unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has lodged a formal complaint against Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, accusing him of gross violation of the model code of conduct. The complaint pertains to an alleged hate speech made by Sarma during an election campaign meeting in Jharkhand.
In a letter addressed to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Assam unit of TMC highlighted the gravity of the issue, stating, “This is to bring to your notice the following serious complaint against Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam during his speech in the election campaign meeting at Jharkhand on 15th May 2024.”
The TMC’s complaint alleges that Sarma made inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community, inciting hatred and division among communities. Specifically, Sarma is accused of claiming that the Mughals defiled the country and suggesting that Hindus must rectify this, as well as allegedly stating that the construction of the Baba Biswanath temple would replace the Gyanbapi Masjid if the BJP were to win 400 seats in the upcoming elections.
According to the TMC, Sarma’s statements have the potential to fuel communal tensions and exacerbate existing divisions, which goes against the spirit of the Election Commission’s model code of conduct in place for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024.
The complaint underscores the need for swift and appropriate action by the Election Commission to address the alleged violation and ensure fair and peaceful elections.
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