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Journalism of Courage
In its first action against model code of conduct violators, the Election Commission today sent showcause notices to Left Front chief whip and CPIM state committee member Rabin Dev and Trinamool Congress MLA Monturam Pakhira.
8216;8216;The allegation against Dev is that on March 3, 4 and 5, he took part programmes where things like wheelchairs, tri-cycles and gas ovens were distributed. He also took part in some health camps. All these, in the Election Commission8217;s opinion, constituted violation of the model code of conduct,8217;8217; said state Chief Electoral Officer Denbashis Sen today. As for Pakhira, he is alleged to have distributed Rs 10 lakh from his MLA funds after the model code of conduct came into effect on March 1. 8216;8216;The EC received a complaint that on March 3, he distributed Rs 10 lakh for his area8217;s development to the implementing agencies,8217;8217; said Sen.
Both the MLAs have been asked to file their replies before March 27. 8216;8216;If they do not give their replies by that time, the EC will deem that they had no answers to give,8217;8217; said the CEO. When contacted, Rabin Dev claimed he had not flouted the model code of conduct in any way and he would file his reply before the stipulated time. 8216;8216;I was not at all present at the tri-cycle distribution ceremony. So far as the distribution of gas ovens was concerned, it happened after I left the function. And in the function where wheelchairs were distributed, I stood behind the audience. The only place I was present was the health camps. But I don8217;t think they would constitute violation of the code of conduct,8217;8217; said Dev.
