Meghalaya polls: ECI serves showcause notice to NPP, UDP for violation of MCC
According to Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor, the candidates of both the NPP and UDP in the West Shillong constituency allegedly distributed pressure cookers and bowl sets to voters in violation of the model code of conduct
The Election Commission of India has issued showcause notices to the National People’s Party (NPP) and United Democratic Party (UDP) after their candidates allegedly distributed home appliances to constituents of the 28-West Shillong constituency.
The showcause was issued by the returning officer of the West Shillong assembly constituency to the general secretary of both parties.
According to Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor, the candidates of both the NPP and UDP in the West Shillong constituency allegedly distributed pressure cookers and bowl sets to voters in violation of the model code of conduct.
Also Read: Meghalaya: NPP releases poll manifesto with focus on farmers, job creation
Speaking to HT over the phone, the CEO Kharkongor said, “We have taken suo moto cognisance of the matter following reports that the candidates of these political parties (NPP and UDP) have violated the model code of conduct. They have been asked to reply to the notice.”
NPP candidate Mohendro Rapsang and UDP nominee Paul Lyngdoh on January 28 and 30 allegedly distributed freebies (pressure cookers and imported bowl sets) to the voters in violation of the model code of conduct. The matter became public after a citizen tried to return the gifts in the presence of a local news portal which got highlighted on several local news and on social media too.
Rapsang, a first-time MLA of the opposition Congress switched over to the ruling NPP recently, he, however, denied giving any freebies in violation of the MCC and insisted that the pressure cookers are from his MLA funds well ahead of the poll announcement.
Also Read: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma files nomination for assembly polls
Lyngdoh, the UDP candidate is a sitting member of the autonomous district council and a former MLA who lost to Rapsang in the 2018 election. He was unable to be reached for a response.
Elections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly will be held on February 27 and the counting of votes will take place on March 2.
