Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India against Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing for allegedly threatening voters with denial of welfare schemes. The complaint follows a video from a December 3 election rally in Lower Dibang Valley, held ahead of local body polls scheduled for December 15.
In the video, widely circulated on social media and reported by The Wire, Tasing is heard saying that panchayats which do not vote for the BJP will not receive government schemes. He repeats the statement, asserting that his words carry weight because of his ministerial position. CJP has described the remarks as a clear attempt to coerce voters by misusing official authority.
The organisation said the statements violate Sections 123(2) and 123(8) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which bar undue influence and abuse of office during elections. It also flagged a serious breach of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits linking public welfare to electoral support.
CJP stressed that welfare schemes are citizens’ rights, not political tools. Separately, the Congress has approached the State Election Commission, which has reportedly sought a factual report from district authorities.
