SHILLONG: The Election Commission has initiated an inquiry into alleged violation of model code of conduct by Health Minister A L Hek, who is accused of using his official vehicle while campaigning for the BJP in West Jaintia Hills.
Hek had gone to various places in the West Jaintia Hills district on Wednesday to campaign for party candidate for Shillong Lok Sabha seat Sanbor Shullai using an official vehicle allotted to him as Health Minister.
Chief electoral officer F R Kharkongor informed that the district election officer has asked the sector officer to inquire into the matter and submit the report by April 5.
“If the allegations are found to be true, necessary action will be taken and show cause notice will also be issued”, he said.
The matter came to light after a picture of Hek coming out of the official vehicle while campaigning for Sanbor Shullai went viral on social media.
Sanbor, a three-time MLA, is contesting the general elections for the first time on a BJP ticket.
When contacted, Hek denied using his official vehicle for campaigning saying he was using the private vehicle of a mahila worker of the party
“I left the office and the mahila president of the party waited on the way. I then took her vehicle and went to the meeting,” he said
Hek, however, said that his official vehicle was being used by his personal assistant, personal security officer and his driver since he did not want his official driver to drive a private vehicle.
