Imphal, March 24: Manipur People's Party has strongly accused the Congress-led SPF Government of violating the model code of conduct announced by the Election Commission of India for free and fair conduct of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In a representation submitted to Election Commission N Gopalaswamy, who is presently on a visit to the State, president of the party and MLA O Joy Singh strongly contended that presentation of new market model for Purana bazar, New Market and Laksmi bazar by MAHUD Minister L Nandakumar on March 16 and distribution of various farming equipments to 454 farmers by the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation on March 18 was in violation of the model code of conduct.

Quoting Sub-Para VI (c) of the Para VII of the Model Code of Conduct which forbade party in power, its Ministers and other authorities from making any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities, etc which might influence the voters, Joy maintained that the act of MAHUD Minister was a clear attempt to influence the voters in favor of the candidates of the ruling Congress Party in the ensuing 14th Lok Sabha election to be held in the State on April 20 and 26.Referring to distribution of various farming equipments like power tillers, diesel pump sets, manual and power operated sprayers to 454 farmers on March 18 by the State Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Joy further said that it amounted to violation of the model code of conduct given under Sub-Para (VI) (a) of Para VII which prohibited Ministers and other authorities from making even announcement of any financial grants in any form or promises thereof.

The distribution of the farm equipments to 454 farmers by Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department after the announcement of the elections is in violation of the model code of conduct and so it is also a real attempt to influence the voters in favour of the candidates of the ruling Congress party, Joy stated to elucidate his point.

In the light of the facts and circumstances present by him.