TMC accuses Cong MP of violating model code in Malda

The Trinamool Congress today alleged that Congress MP Abu Hasem Khan Chowdhury violated the model code of conduct by giving monetary aid to an old woman during campaign in Malda for the April 25 civic poll.
"Distribution of money ahead of the election is a clear case of violation of the model code of conduct," alleged a TMC candidate in the civic poll, Dulal Sarkar.
South Malda MP Khan Chowdhury, who was campaigning for Nabin Das, the Congress candidate for ward number 20 of Englishbazar, was seen giving away Rs 1,000 to a poor old woman who had come to listen to him speak, Sarkar alleged.

When contacted, Chowdhury, a former Union minister, said he had given the money with no intention to get votes.
West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim while reacting to the allegation slammed the Congress MP.
"It shows that the opposition parties in the state are in a bad shape. They have lost ground. They are now purchasing votes asking people to exercise franchise against violence and politics based on religion," Hakim said.

Hakim also said no opposition threat would be able to disturb the vote bank of the ruling TMC.
"Since people are with us, the TMC vote bank will remain undisturbed. People are with us as we don't hobnob with anti-socials," he asserted.

"The opposition parties have failed to nominate any known face and even they could not depute any polling agent in most KMC booths. Virtually, there is no opposition in the state," Hakim said.
"What the TMC will do, if the opposition fails to depute polling agents? Our vote bank is intact. We have nothing to do against absurd allegations," the minister said.