33 model code violations and no action

It seems that the Commission’s inaction has made the political parties careless about the code of conduct. Consequently,political parties keep flouting the rules. In last five days,around seven cases of code violation have been reported to the EC.

The party which tops the list of violators is CPM. In the last five days,five cases have been reported against the party. According to the model code,an MP cannot use a beacon on his/her car or any other government and official machinery during election campaign.

However,on Sunday,Mohammad Salim — CPM MP from north-east Kolkata constituency,who is seeking re-election — allegedly travelled in a car that had a beacon during his visit to a housing complex on the EM bypass. State minister Chkradhar Maikap and Cooch Behar District Committee Sabhadhipati Dilip Biswas also used their official cars for hitting the campaign trail.

The CPM’s candidate for the Dum Dum constituency Amitava Nandy is already facing allegations of distributing cheques and cash at a blood donation camp. Meanwhile,the Congress has filed a complaint with the EC alleging violation of model code by CPM during a meeting in Malda where the party used loudspeakers. Left Front chairman Biman Bose was present during the meeting.

But as Debashis Sen,the chief electoral officer,puts it,the EC has no power to award statutory punishment to the offenders. The violation of model code of conduct includes offering bribe to voters,wall-graffiti,delivering communal statement while campaigning and inaugurating or declaring any new project.

“Offering bribe is a punishable offence,according to Indian Penal Code. So in that case,the offender will be punished according to the law. But in other cases,where there are no apparent laws,the EC will decide on the steps to be taken on a case to case basis,” said Sen.