Srinagar, Oct 29. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by announcing the establishment of temporary classes of a “National Law University” at Ompura in central Kashmir’s Budgam district during the ongoing Assembly session.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, and dated October 29, 2025, the BJP candidate from Budgam alleged that the Chief Minister made a public announcement from the floor of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly regarding the setting up of temporary classes of the proposed law university at Ompura.
The complaint states that this announcement, made during the election period, was “clearly intended to influence the electorate of Budgam by projecting imminent developmental benefits in the constituency.”
The BJP has cited four main grounds for the complaint:
Violation of the Model Code of Conduct: The party said the MCC explicitly prohibits announcements or promises of new projects or benefits during the election period, terming Omar Abdullah’s statement as “an inducement with clear electoral intent.”
Undue Influence under Section 123(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951: The complaint argues that the statement amounts to a promise of benefit to electors, constituting a “corrupt practice” under the law.
Misuse of Official Platform: The announcement, according to the BJP, was made from within the Assembly, lending it an official tone and thereby compromising the neutrality of the electoral process.
Immediate Electoral Impact: The party claimed that the statement is rapidly circulating across media and social networks, potentially influencing voters and disturbing the level playing field in Budgam.
The BJP has urged the Election Commission to initiate an immediate inquiry into the matter and take appropriate action against the Chief Minister for the alleged violation of electoral norms. [KNT]
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