TMC fires salvo at Mukul for violating model code of conduct

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress has lodged complaint against BJP leader Mukul Roy, alleging violation of model code of conduct over his announcement in Jalpaiguri, promising distribution of smartphones if BJP wins in Jalpaiguri Zilla Parishad.

Launching a scathing attack at Roy, Partha Chatterjee, Secretary General of Trinamool Congress, said: "This is nothing apart from an attempt to allure people ahead of the Panchayat election. I will repeatedly say that this is politics of making lofty promises ahead of the polls. This should stop as it is against the model code of conduct. The matters have been placed before the State Election Commission (SEC) and we are hopeful that the SEC will take necessary steps in maintaining the secular fabric of the country."

It may be mentioned that on Sunday, Roy had announced in a programme of his party at Ghugudanga in Jalpaiguri, that youths above 18 years will be given smartphones if his party wins the Zilla Parishad.

Following this, Trinamool Congress leadership lodged a complaint against the BJP leader, alleging violation of model code of conduct.

Sourav Chakraborty, district president of Trinamool Congress, had said: "He made the announcement, knowing well that it would be a violation of the model code of conduct. He did it just to befool the people. We have already filed a complaint with the SEC and we are also taking the necessary legal steps in this connection."

He further said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured during a rally that his government would take over some of the closed tea gardens. But no such step has been taken. It proves that they never keep their promises…it is their political culture."

Rabindranath Ghosh, the North Bengal Development minister, said: "Proper legal steps should be taken against him after going through the footages, showing him making lofty promises ahead of the Panchayat polls."

Chatterjee once again attacked BJP, protesting against the distribution of leaflets against a particular community, if BJP wins the election. "We are also informing the SEC about it," he said.

Chatterjee further said that they (BJP) are creating unrest in the state and trying to defame Trinamool Congress, which has already lost seven workers.

Sources said that SEC has sought a report from the district magistrate in this connection.