Assam Chief Secretary Warns of strict action on violation of MCC

Guwahati : Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota has warned that government would take strict action against violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) or incidents of post-poll violence.

In response to a complaint of the Congress leader Bedabrata Bora who also heads the media cell of Assam Congress, Mr Kota asserted, “Please be assured that any violation of the MCC or instances of post-poll violence have been dealt with firmly as per law, and this approach will continue.

Mr Bora in a social media post had flagged concern over the post-poll law-and-order incidents at different places. Assam voted on April 9.

The chief secretary while responding to concern thanked him for drawing the government’s “attention to the matter”.

The chief secretary in his post further suggested that aggrieved individuals might also approach the DC or SSP concerned if they believed adequate action had not been taken.

The contest in Assam is between the BJP-led alliance, in power since 2016, and a Congress-led six-party Opposition alliance. Counting will be held on May 4.

In a statement, Mr Bora had alleged that the state administration “completely failed to control sporadic incidents of violence" after the April 9 polls and that the chief secretary “played a passive role”.

Meanwhile, Assam Jatiya Parishad’s (AJP) Guwahati Central candidate Kunki Chowdhury on Sunday appeared before Guwahati police in connection with an alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct.

In a notice, the Panbazar Police Station under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), had directed her to appear before the Officer-in-Charge at 11 AM on Sunday for questioning. The police stated that there are reasonable grounds to question her as part of the ongoing investigation.

The summon was issued after a case was registered at Panbazar Police Station over alleged violations during polling in the Guwahati Central Assembly Constituency. The FIR named Ms Chowdhury, along with members of her social media team.

According to the complaint, the incident dates back to polling day on April 9, when alleged irregularities were reported involving the candidate and others. It is alleged that a political worker linked to her was present in the constituency despite the mandatory 48-hour silence period.

The FIR further claims that Ms Chowdhury entered a polling station with a group of individuals and interacted with voters in a manner that may have influenced the electoral process. It is also alleged that vehicles linked to her were found within restricted zones near polling booths, and that her security personnel were present inside polling premises without authorisation.

Additionally, allegations of voter contact during the silence period have been cited, with digital and video evidence reportedly submitted to support the claims.

Police stated that there are reasonable grounds to question her as part of the ongoing investigation and have directed her to cooperate fully, refrain from tampering with evidence, and comply with all instructions.