October 29: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh today took strong note of the gross violation of the election Model Code of Conduct being done by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while campaigning for two Assembly by elections has been in progress.
Demanding immediate intervention of the Election Commission Of India (ECI) Chugh said th announcement made the chief minister on the floor of the Legislative Assembly regarding the immediate commencement of classes for the National Law University (NLU) at Ompura, Budgam was meant to allure young voters in the two Assembly constituencies.
Chugh said the Chief Minister's action is a "blatant, desperate, and cynical misuse of institutional power"intended solely to influence voters ahead of the crucial bypoll.
“The statement made by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the floor of the House was a clear, calculated violation of all democratic norms,” he said.
“The Model Code of Conduct is in place to ensure a level playing field and prevent the incumbent government from using taxpayer money and policy decisions to sway the electorate. By making a major, location-specific infrastructure announcement during an active election cycle, the Chief Minister has trampled upon the Election Commission's mandate and shown utter disregard for institutional propriety. This is a clear case of policy being used as a bribe, timed perfectly to gain political mileage.”, Chugh said.
Echoing the concerns raised by the BJP Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, Chugh confirmed that the party will formally approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a comprehensive complaint.
“If the Chief Minister had genuine intentions regarding the National Law University, why wait until the eleventh hour of a sensitive by-election to make the announcement? This timing exposes his intent, Chugh said.
He demanded moral accountability from the Chief Minister. "A leader who so casually violates the rules of the game has no moral authority to govern. We demand that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah step down on moral grounds to uphold the dignity of his office. Failing that, the Election Commission must take appropriate and immediate action, including punitive measures, to send a clear message that electoral manipulation will not be tolerated in our democracy."
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