SHILLONG: The state election department has said that as per the ruling of the Election Commission of India, the post of MDCs does not fall under office of profit and hence they can contest the Assembly polls.
Earlier, when the issue of MDCs holding the post of MLAs came to the fore in the context of office of profit, the governor had referred the matter to the Election Commission that ultimately ruled that the post of MDCs is not office of profit.
Based on this, legislator PN Syiem continues to hold the post of Chief Executive Member of the KHADC though the government had carried out by polls in district council seats vacated by other legislators.
When asked about the Act enacted by the state government to prevent holding of dual posts, Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Kharkongor said he will go by the direction of the Election Commission which made it clear that there was no office of profit aspect in MDCs holding the post of MLAs.
