The Election Commission of India  issued an official warning to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following reports of his alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct during campaigning for the upcoming five assembly bypolls on October 30.

“The commission issues warning to him (Himanta Biswa Sarma) and cautions him to be more careful and exercise restraint in the future and strictly follow the provisions of Model Code of Conduct while making public appearances,” the ECI order read.

A Congress delegation had approached the ECI on Tuesday and lodged a complaint against Sarma for violating the MCC by announcing financial assistance to self-help groups of tea estate workers.

The Assam CM, however, denied all allegations stating that the announcements are from either ongoing projects or those that have already been declared by the state government.

“The commission carefully considered the matter and is of the view that Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma…has acted in contravention to the spirit of the advisory/instruction issued by the commission…concerning Model Code of Conduct,” the ECI said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress today charged that the ECI should have issued a sterner punishment to the Chief Minister, and also demanded the Bharatiya Janata Party to apologise to the people of Assam.

“Assam CM, Sh. Himanta Biswa Sarma indicted for poll code violation, tenders unconditional apology, warned by ECI. Shameful and illegal attempts to influence voters exposed. EC should have given a far more stern punishment. The BJP should now apologise to people of Assam,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

Bye-elections for Gossaigaon, Bhabanipur, Tamulpur, Mariani and Thowra will be conducted in Assam on October 30. The results will be declared on November 2.