By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: From typing mistakes to incorrect information furnished, errors have been detected in the affidavits filed by candidates contesting in the February 23 election in the State.
Even as the Election Commission of India has clearly indicated that all columns in the Form 26 should be filled up by candidates, the same has been flouted in several cases.
Some candidates also deviated from the standard format by providing information relating to assets separately in the form of an annexure.
Random checking of affidavits has disclosed certain anomalies in the affidavits filed by candidates. Former Chief Minister and Congress candidate from Nongpoh, DD Lapang failed to mention the name of his spouse and dependents in the affidavit even though the spouse has been shown to possess more assets than Lapang himself. The savings bank account number was also not mentioned in the column prescribed. Details of vehicles were indicated in the wrong column and cost and year of manufacture of each vehicle have not provided with. Similarly, information relating to higher school education was also not disclosed.
The names of spouse and dependents of Celestine Lyngdoh, a Congress candidate from Umsning constituency have not been furnished in the affidavit even as the spouse has been shown to possess assets. Information relating to higher school education was also not mentioned in the column prescribed.
Similarly, the name of the spouse of Don Kupar Roy, UDP candidate from Shella constituency, Enbin K Raswai – HSPDP candidate from Mawkyrwat constituency, Rowel Lyngdoh, Deputy Chief Minister and Congress candidate from Mawkyrwat constituency were not disclosed despite assets being indicated against the same.
As per the affidavit filed by Raswai and Lyngdoh, the savings bank account numbers were also not furnished. The details of higher school education failed to find space in the column prescribed. They left Para 5 of the form as ‘I am/am not Accused of any offense’ and ‘I have been/have not been convicted’ at Para 6 instead of choosing either of the two in both the cases.
Teilinia Thangkhiew, an Independent candidate from Mylliem constituency and Congress candidate from Shillong South constituency Manas Chaudhuri left Para 6 as ‘I have been/have not been convicted’ instead of choosing either of the two.
The movable and immovable assets of Thangkhiew and Forest Minister Prestone Tyngsong, a Congress candidate from Pynursla constituency have been furnished in the prescribed form but indicated as annexure.
Don Kupar Massar, an Independent candidate from Pynursla constituency failed to furnish information relating to his higher school education.
Another candidate, who is a sitting MLA, made a glaring error by indicating his profession as petty businessman instead of a sitting Legislator.