The CEO’s office said while generic electoral promises are allowed, “specific surveys, form distribution and data collection make the design transactional and is in the nature of inducement of the electors”, which is a prohibited activity.
The notice, a copy of which is available with PTI, said that as per prima facie scrutiny, it appears that these forms bearing the symbol and photographs of star campaigners of BJP are violative of the MCC guidelines.
“Now, there, you are hereby called upon to show cause in writing as to why appropriate action for violation of Model Code of Conduct should not be taken against you,” it added.
The Congress also submitted a written complaint over the same matter before the CEO’s office on Friday.
CPI(M) state secretary Suprakash Talukdar, in his complaint, had stated that the forms, which were being distributed by the BJP across the state in the name of the survey, had photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and assured people of inclusion in schemes, which is a policy matter of the government.
