Srinagar, Oct 29 (KINS): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh today took strong exception to what he termed a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while campaigning for two Assembly by-elections is in progress.
Chugh in a statement issued to news agency Kashmir Indpeth News Service (KINS) said that the Chief Minister’s announcement in the Legislative Assembly regarding the commencement of classes at the National Law University (NLU), Ompura, Budgam, was a deliberate attempt to influence young voters in the two constituencies where by-polls are being held.
Calling it a “blatant, desperate, and cynical misuse of institutional power,” Tarun Chugh alleged that the move was intended solely to gain political advantage ahead of the polls.
“The statement made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the floor of the House was a clear, calculated violation of all democratic norms,” he said.
He added that the Model Code of Conduct exists to ensure a level playing field and to prevent governments from using public funds or new policy announcements to woo voters during elections.
“By making a major, location-specific 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 political bribe,” Chugh remarked.
Supporting the concerns already raised by BJP Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, Chugh confirmed that the party would file a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India over the issue.
“If the Chief Minister had genuine intentions regarding the National Law University, why did he wait until the eleventh hour of a sensitive by-election to make the announcement? The timing itself exposes his intent,” Tarun Chugh said.
He demanded that Omar Abdullah take moral responsibility and step down for undermining democratic principles.
“A leader who so casually violates the rules of the game has no moral authority to govern. We urge the Election Commission to take prompt and strict action, including punitive measures, to send a clear message that electoral manipulation will not be tolerated in our democracy,” Chugh added.(KINS)
