Political Storm in Behali: Pijush Hazarika Accuses Gaurav Gogoi of Model Code of Conduct Violation

A political storm has erupted in Assam’s Behali constituency after state minister Pijush Hazarika accused Congress MP and Deputy Leader of Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the election’s silent period. Hazarika’s allegations are based on reports claiming that Gogoi and other Congress leaders continued their campaign activities in Behali, even after the official campaigning period had ended.

Hazarika, who is part of the ruling BJP, emphasized that all ministers and MLAs from his party had strictly adhered to the election rules by leaving the constituency in time. “Our ministers, including leaders like Sushanta Borgohain and Diganta Kalita, followed the election regulations. However, Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, stayed in the booths beyond the stipulated campaign period,” Hazarika stated.

The minister expressed his dissatisfaction, criticizing what he saw as a double standard, particularly in how Gogoi’s actions were handled. “As a ‘small leader,’ I followed the rules. But why were prominent figures like Gaurav Gogoi allowed to break the rules without any consequences? If I had done the same, I would have been arrested,” Hazarika said, questioning the lack of media scrutiny over the matter.

Hazarika also pointed out the unusual nature of the incident, calling it the first time such a violation had occurred in Assam, and expressed concern about the silence of the media. “Why hasn’t the media reported on this? How can election rules be ignored like this?” he asked, challenging the apparent leniency towards Gogoi’s actions.

The minister concluded by expressing his confidence in the ruling party’s victory, stating, “We will win by a huge margin. Our adherence to the rules and our integrity will ensure our success.” Hazarika also raised the possibility that Gogoi’s continued presence in the constituency may have been overlooked due to his familial connection to former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.