April 13, 2004

Press Release

Nilotpal Basu (CPI-M), Kapil Sibal (INC), D. Raja (CPI), Danish Ali (Janata Dal-S) have met the Election Commission today and submitted the following memorandum to Shri Gopalaswamy, member, Election Commission. 

*****

The Chief Election Commissioner

Election Commission of India

Dear Sir,

We wish to bring to the notice of the Election Commission a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct for the  guidance of the political parties and candidates and the law by the leaders of the  BJP in the Prime Minister's constituency.  They have organised free distribution of saris to induce the voters making use of the occasion of the birthday of Shri Lalji Tandon, a prominent leader of the BJP, on April 12, 2004 in Lucknow, which led to the tragic death of more than 20 women. 

We wish to quote the relevant provision in the Model Code of Conduct. 

"(4)  All parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are `corrupt practices' and offences under the  election law, such as bribing of voters, intimidation of voters, ………"

We urge upon the Election Commission to take appropriate action against the  persons who violated the Model Code of Conduct and the law.

            With regards,

Yours sincerely

Sd/-

Kapil Sibal (INC)                                             D. Raja (CPI)

Nilotpal Basu (CPI-M)                         Danish Ali (JD-S)