SHILLONG, Jan 13: The Election Commission of India has assured to look into the complaint of alleged distribution of money by Cabinet Minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare in Nongkrem constituency.
Reacting to a query about the same, Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar said that the matter has not come to his knowledge, but it would be looked into after receiving response from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor.
Earlier, Lamare, who had defended his act claiming that he was helping needy people and not buying votes, maintained the election is still a long way to go.
The CEO had earlier referred the complaint filed against cabinet minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare for allegedly distributing money to people of Nongkrem constituency to the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner for necessary action since the model code of conduct (MCC) is yet to be enforced in the state.
Earlier, the national spokesperson of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Saket Gokhale had written to the DC of East Khasi Hills district with a request to furnish the investigation report into the allegation.
When asked about the freebies being promised such as ‘We Card’ and Rs 5,000 being given by the government for a scheme, the Chief Election Commissioner said that the political parties as per the existing laws have the right to make promises and voters too have the right to know what is being promised.
“Announcements cannot be curbed directly and when the model code of conduct comes into effect, we will decide what is permissible,” Kumar said.
The Election Commission also assured of peaceful elections along the disputed border areas saying both Assam and Meghalaya officials held a series of meetings and and there is nothing to worry.
Earlier, the CEC informed that the general law and order is under control and peaceful in Meghalaya.
He further added that concerning the paramilitary forces, there will be three kinds of randomisations to ensure impartiality.
All the paramilitary forces would get randomized. There would be clarity on where would they go. A proper mechanism would be put in place along with the central observer, CEO and the state nodal officer, he said.
He assured about a putting in place a framework under which teams would be deployed in areas to ensure so that free and fair election takes place.
The focus would be to study beforehand for deployment of poll officials to border areas, especially along the international borders and remote booths.
Asked about NPP not filing its report, the CEC explained that the rules require political parties to file their reports regarding finances and the contributions in a prescribed format.
