Chandigarh: Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Sunday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of blatant disregard for the model code of conduct (MCC). Bajwa claimed that ration kits intended for poor and needy families were distributed a day ahead of the May 26 polls for urban civic bodies.
Sharing two photos on social media, one showing a purported beneficiary with a ration kit bearing the chief minister's photograph, Bajwa posted, "This is a blatant disregard for the model code of conduct (MCC) and a direct attempt to influence voters during the silence period. Welfare schemes cannot be converted into political propaganda using taxpayers' money. I urge the Election Commission to take immediate and strict action."
Earlier in the day, Bajwa wrote to the State Election Commission, Punjab, complaining about the violation of the MCC. He urged the commission to "immediately intervene and restrain the Punjab government from distributing the ration kits till completion of the polling process."
"Despite my written complaint to the State Election Commission, warning against violation of the model code of conduct, the @AAPPunjab government has gone ahead with distribution of ration kits in Dhariwal after the campaign period ended," Bajwa posted on his X account Sunday evening. In his complaint to State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri, Bajwa stated, "It has come to our notice that ration kits meant for poor and needy families have already reached the godowns of the food and civil supplies department and are proposed to be distributed tomorrow – Sunday, May 25 – barely a day before polling."
The Qadian MLA said, "The Congress party has no objection whatsoever to the welfare measure or distribution of ration kits to deserving beneficiaries. However, the timing deliberately chosen by the government raises serious concerns regarding electoral propriety and fairness. Campaigning for the elections ends today, and thereafter, distribution of ration kits carrying the photographs of the chief minister would amount to direct political messaging and influence upon voters during the silence period."
He added, "Such an exercise immediately before polling is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct and is clearly aimed at influencing the electorate in favour of the ruling party candidates."
