Open violation of MCC in Assam Forest Department. CS and EC indifference on illegal deployment of several DFOs, strong demand for immediate action. 

Open violation of MCC in Assam Forest Department. CS and EC indifference on illegal deployment of several DFOs, strong demand for immediate action.

Pankaj Nath, Guwahati, Assam, April 11 :

Despite the voting that ended in the only and single phase on April 9 in the Assam Assembly elections 2026, the question has again arisen over the blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the forest department. This case not only raises questions about the impartial and fairness of the electoral process but also hollows out the roots of democracy. Under the MCC, posting in the home district or at the same place for more than 3 years is prohibited in sensitive posts, so as to avoid political influence. But the disclosure of the alert circle had revealed that the government has been allowing to work many Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) at their home districts and also at the same headquarters for more than 3 years; which is evident of violations of the MCC of ECI. Serious questions were being raised on the free and fair elections by calling these deployments part of a political conspiracy. In an important sector of revenue generation like the forest department, this interference can pose a threat to influence the election results. Based on the allegations, a detailed list has been released, which shows a clear violation of the MCC: Ashok Dev Choudhary (AFS), DFO of Kamrup East Division is posted in his home district Kamrup Metro itself—a direct violation of MCC’s home district ban policy. Ashwani Kumar (IFS): Director of Guwahati Assam State Zoo has been serving for the last 5 years in the same headquarter —crossed the mandatory limit of 3 years. Akhil Dutta (AFS): Holding the post of DFO of Hailakandi Forest Division for last 4 years. Mr. V. Palvay (IFS): DFO of in Cachar Division, Silchar is working in same headquarter for last 3+ years. Tejas Mariswamy (IFS): DFO of Goalpara Forest Division is also serving in same headquarter for last 3+ years. Suhas Kadam Tarachand (IFS): DFO of Nagaon Forest Division is also working in same place for last 3 years. The MCC will be fully implemented in Assam from March 15th to May 4th 2026. The monitoring groups alleged that political interference in the forest department could have influenced the electorate, especially in rural areas where forest areas are bordering. Despite its publicity in the media, neither Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota nor the Election Commission (ECI) took any concrete steps. Even after the polling ended on April 9, complete indifference is being maintained. The conscious circle questioned why the action was being deferred due to ‘mysterious reasons’. Is there high political pressure or some other invisible theme at work? An appeal was also made to the Special Observer Manjit Singh, but there was no response . The conscious circle condemned it and said that such silence weakens the credibility of the transparent election process. The ECI must intervene such matters immediately. Experts are warning that if these allegations are proved, the entire credibility of the Assam Assembly Elections will be questioned. The conscious circle has reiterated its demand for an independent inquiry by the ECI on the entire deployment process of the forest department, immediate transfer or removal of all the accused DFOs immediately. They also appealed to the Chief Secretary and the Election Commission to implement a transparent transfer policy and take strict action against the controversial postings. The silence of the forest department and the state government has been described as a threat to the democratic process of India. The Election Commission should now be proactive and give a strong message of impartiality and fairness, otherwise future elections will be in serious trouble. The conscious people of Assam are demanding investigation, reform and accountability on these issues. Now, whether the Election Commission and the Chief Secretary will take strict and prompt action on this matter or ignore it again, only time will tell but the people of Assam are waiting and watching the justness of the ECI .