Team Herald
PANJIM: Congress has sought action from State Election Commission (SEC) against Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar for participating and inaugurating Carnival float parade in Panjim on Saturday, for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
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However, the SEC claimed that Sawant and Ajgaonkar represented as Chief Minister and Tourism Minister of the State and not a representative of any political party.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesperson Amarnath Panjikar took to social media to point out the violation of Model Code of Conduct by Chief Minister and Tourism Minister.
“The blatant violation of Model Code of Conduct by Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and guidelines by Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar during Carnival Parade at Panjim,” he tweeted.
“The Congress condemns the act and urges SEC to show some teeth and act. Murder of democracy by BJP. Shame!” he tweeted further.
Panjikar has posted a communication issued by SEC secretary Melvyn Vaz to Tourism Director granting permission for celebration of Carnival festival during the Code.
“No political functionary should inaugurate or close the function or deliver speech all throughout the event,” the communication mentioned.
The Congress, however, has not filed any official complaint in this regard.
SEC sources said the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister do not represent any party but they represent the State. “Also, no political speech was made nor were they accompanied by any political functionary like party president,” sources added.
