Money not for buying votes, clarifies Syiem

SHILLONG: PN Syiem, the NPP candidate for Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, on Wednesday admitted that money was being distributed in the constituency but rejected claims that it was for buying votes.
Syiem told reporters that the money that was found in the possession of NPP supporters was used for serving tea and food to polling agents “and other needs”. He did not make it clear what the other needs are.
Terming KHNAM’s allegations of distribution of money as baseless and unacceptable, Syiem said, “Money is usually given at polling stations for refreshments.” KHNAM volunteers of Wahingdoh on Tuesday night caught two NPP supporters distributing money, Glenbirth Khongwir, the KHNAM candidate from the constituency, had alleged saying two of them escaped.
The returning officer has called the representatives of both KHNAM and NPP on Monday to hear the case.
Commissioner and Secretary of District Council Affairs Department Tining Dkhar said on Wednesday the case is under investigation.
He maintained that the model code of conduct was observed 100 per cent by parties in which campaigns ended at 4 pm on Monday.