By IANS,
Kolkata : West Bengal Tourism Minister Manab Mukherjee is under the scanner for violating the model code of conduct enforced after the announcement of assembly polls, an election official said Friday.
“A complaint was lodged with the police against Manab Mukherjee for using the red beacon light atop his vehicle Thursday in Islampur area of North Dinajpur district,” said district magistrate Sunil Dandapat.
“We received the complaint from a district Congress leader that the minister had used a red beacon light while travelling across Islampur. Police have been asked to enquire into the matter and submit a detailed report. The report will be forwarded to the chief electoral officer. Police have also been asked to find out the errant officer who had provided the minister with the car,” said Dandapat.
The assembly polls in Bengal will be held April 18-May 10. The election schedule was announced Tuesday.
Congress said Mukherjee was scheduled to lay the foundation stone for a proposed industrial park in Islampur area Thursday, which was cancelled after the announcement of election dates. However, he came to Islampur and visited the proposed industrial site.
“As per the model code of conduct, no ministers or political facilities are allowed to use the red beacon light on their vehicle. They have also been asked not to use official vehicles for election purposes. The ministers are only allowed to travel between their offices and residences in the city in official cars,” said additional chief electoral officer N.K. Sahana.
“We are waiting for the district magistrate’s report and action will be taken against the minister, if he is found guilty.”