SHILLONG, Feb 14: The returning officer (RO) of the Jowai constituency, Mabel Kynta has issued a show-cause notice to Phidalia Toi, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), for taking part in the election rally taken out by National People’s Party candidate, Wailadmiki Shylla.
A local English daily (not The Shillong Times) had reported that Toi was seen walking hand-in-hand with the said candidate during the rally on the streets of Jowai.
The RO mentioned in the show-cause notice that the “news report also alleges that your participation has given room for suspicion that you are favouring” the said candidate.
“Whereas, as the Chairperson, Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), you are deemed to be a public servant as per the description laid down in Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860,” the RO said.
The RO cited Rule 20 of the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules, 2019, which states: “No government employee shall be a member of, or otherwise be associated with any political party, or with any organisation which takes part in politics, or whose activities have a political bearing, nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity”.
“Whereas, your actions as reported are in contravention of Rule 20 of the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules, 2019, and are prejudicial to the neutrality expected of a =government employee. Now therefore, you are to show cause as to why action should not be proposed to be taken against you for this violation of the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules, 2019,” the RO said.
Toi was asked to reply to the show-cause to the RO within two days of receiving the notice, failing which action would be taken against her. (Contd on P-4)
MSCW chairperson told to…
(Contd from P-3) Earlier in the day, the state Congress lodged a complaint against the MSCW chief. It demanded her removal from office and the disqualification of the NPP candidate.
Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor told reporters that he has sought a report from the district election officer of West Jaintia Hills, B.S. Sohliya to verify the complaints made by Congress.
After receiving the report, the matter will be referred to the Election Commission for further action, he said.
The Congress delegation also complained against the defacing of Shillong with the posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J.P. Nadda.
