Guwahati, Oct 26 (TIWN) The Election Commission has issued notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged violation of code of conduct during campaigning for the October 30 Assembly by-elections, following a complaint from the Congress.

Amid the EC's showcause notice seeking Sarma's response by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the Congress on Tuesday demanded the poll panel immediately bar him from further campaigning.

EC Secretary N.T. Bhutia, citing the rules, said that from the time elections are announced, Ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof or make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities etc.  "The Commission is of the view that by making the above statements, you have violated the said provision of Model Code of Conduct and the instructions. Now, therefore, the Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your position in this regard on or before 5 p.m. of Tuesday. If no explanation is submitted within the said time limit, the Commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you," the notice to Sarma said.