PNS | DEHRADUN
The chief spokesperson of Uttarakhand Congress Garima Mehra Dasauni accused that Sports and Youth Welfare minister and BJP leader Rekha Arya violated the model code of conduct (MCC) by inaugurating projects at the International Sports Complex Stadium in Gaulapar, Haldwani on Wednesday.
According to her, Arya inaugurated a football ground constructed on the pre-existing cricket field at a cost of Rs 288.06 lakh and another project involving the construction of the International Haldwani Sports Complex Stadium worth Rs 1,510.93 lakh. Currently, MCC is in force in all urban local bodies of Uttarakhand as civic bodies elections are scheduled to be held on January 23, 2025.
Dasauni questioned whether separate rules and regulations apply to the ruling and opposition parties in Uttarakhand. She pointed out that MCC has been in effect since the announcement of the municipal election schedule on Monday, which has restricted political programmes of opposition parties. However, the ruling party appears undeterred, allegedly continuing such activities unabated, Dasauni claimed. She stated that this situation raises serious concerns about the double standards in law enforcement within the State. She criticised the Dhami-led government, stating that the ruling party is blatantly disregarding election protocols. “All eyes are now on the State Election Commission that needs to address the issue of VIP culture by taking strict action against Miniter Arya,” she said.
Dasauni stated that failure to act against Arya will set a dangerous precedent, encouraging political parties to disregard the EC’s guidelines in the future. “Favouring one’s own and discriminating against others is not a healthy practice for the State,” Dasauni said, appealing for a swift and impartial response from the EC.
