NONGSTOIN/ SHILLONG: Show-cause notices were issued to HSPDP candidate from Nongstoin Diosstarness Jyndiang and Shillong MP Vincent H Pala on Thursday for violating the model code of conduct by attending the foundation stone-laying function of Hostel Umyiap District at Tiehsaw village in West Khasi Hills.
PD Sangma, the returning officer in Nongstoin, issued the notices to the duo directing them to submit the replies within five days. The replies will be sent to the Election Commission.
However, Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Kharkongor indicated that since it was not a government function, there is a grey area as to whether private functions will also come under the model code of conduct.
Kharkongor added that the Election Department will wait for the reply of Pala and Jyndiang “to know the actual position”.
Both Pala and Jyndiang attended the function as guests.
When asked, Pala clarified that the request for attending the meeting had come two months back and he did not speak politics or announce any schemes at the function.
“I just gave my blessings and I don’t think it is a violation of the model code of conduct,” Pala said, adding that it was not a political programme but was organised by the church.
The working president of MPCC will consult his lawyers before replying to the notice issued by the DC office.
Jyndiang, while addressing reporters in Nongstoin, rebutted the allegation that he violated the code of conduct and said he attended the function not as a politician but as a common man.
The returning officer, in a statement to the media, said, “Even if he had attended as a common man, he still is the candidate of HSPDP in the eyes of the Election Commission.”
Jyndiang told media persons that the code of conduct exists “not only during election but throughout the year”.
