The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has filed a formal complaint with the State Election Commission (SEC) accusing Panchayat Minister Ojing Tasing of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by allegedly threatening voters with the withdrawal of government schemes if they fail to support BJP candidates in the ongoing panchayat and municipal elections. The complaint, supported by video evidence and eyewitness testimonies, describes the minister’s remarks as a blatant misuse of official authority to coerce electoral outcomes.
The allegations surfaced from statements made by Tasing during an election rally, where he purportedly warned that “no Government schemes or funds will be sanctioned or provided to those IMC Wards and ZPM segments where BJP candidates are defeated.” This has been flagged as a direct threat to democratic principles, prompting the opposition’s swift intervention amid heightened scrutiny of the polls.
Details of the Complaint
The grievance was submitted by Mina Toko, Chairperson of the APCC’s Panchayat and Municipal Election Committee, who characterised Tasing’s comments as “nothing short of a direct threat to the electorate and a coercive attempt to influence voters through intimidation and misuse of official position.”
Toko further elaborated in the complaint:
“A sitting Minister threatening to withhold developmental schemes and public welfare benefits based on political outcomes is undemocratic, unethical, and illegal.”
The APCC invoked key legal provisions, including Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deems undue influence and threats as corrupt practices. They urged the SEC to:
- Take immediate cognizance and initiate strict disciplinary and legal action against Tasing.
- Issue directives to curb further misuse of power by ministers or ruling party leaders.
- Acknowledge the complaint and provide updates on actions taken.
The opposition party emphasised that such tactics undermine the integrity of the elections, which are crucial for grassroots governance in Arunachal Pradesh.
Background and Election Context
The incident unfolds against the backdrop of Arunachal’s single-phase panchayat and municipal elections scheduled for December 15, 2025, covering 27 Zilla Parishads (245 seats), 2,103 Gram Panchayats (8,181 seats), the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (20 wards), and Pasighat Municipal Council (8 wards). With 8.31 lakh voters and over 2,200 polling stations, the polls—already featuring 63 uncontested seats—have been under the MCC since November 15.
Tasing, a BJP stalwart and the state’s Panchayat Minister, is accused of leveraging his position to sway voters in key segments, including Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) wards and Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) constituencies. This comes amid broader concerns over electoral malpractices, including recent suspensions of officials in compensation scams related to infrastructure projects.
Implications and Potential Response
The APCC’s move highlights escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress as campaigning intensifies. Toko stressed the need for “prompt intervention to uphold electoral integrity and protect voters from coercive political pressure,” warning that unchecked actions could erode public trust in the democratic process.
As of the filing, the SEC has not issued a public response, but sources indicate that complaints of this nature are fast-tracked for review, potentially leading to advisories, investigations, or penalties under MCC guidelines. The BJP has yet to comment on the allegations, though party insiders dismissed them as “politically motivated” during routine briefings.
This episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in Arunachal’s elections, where local development schemes like road connectivity, water supply, and welfare programmes often become flashpoints. With vote counting slated for December 20, all eyes are on the SEC to ensure a level playing field in these pivotal grassroots polls.
(Source: India Today NE)
