TURA: The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Congress candidate from South Tura Grithalson Arengh for holding a campaign meeting without permission and giving an inflammatory speech to incite communal feelings.
Arengh has been asked to reply to the show-cause notice by Tuesday failing which action will be taken as per rules of the Election Commission of India.
The NPP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission that the Congress candidate and his supporters made inflammatory speeches against the NPP and the BJP at a meeting at New Walbakgre in Tura on the evening of February 9.
The NPP accused the Congress candidate of inciting communal feelings of the people by stating in his speech that Christianity would be eliminated from Meghalaya if the two parties are voted to power.
“Whereas a complaint has been filed by Mathias N Marak, General Secretary of NPP, nodal office, on 10th February 2018 Saturday, that you and your supporters have made inflammatory speeches against BJP and NPP on the 9th February 2018 around 7:30 PM at New Walbakgre, Tura and whereas, it has also been alleged by the complainant that you have stated in your speech that “If these two parties are voted to power in 2018 Christianity would be eliminated from Meghalaya”, which is objectionable and inflammatory, inciting the communal feelings of the people,” stated the show-cause order to Arengh.
The show-cause notice also mentions that the Congress candidate did not seek permission from the returning officer to hold the meeting even though the model code was already in force.
“Your intention to hold meeting during such critical time period without seeking permission is construed to be a deliberate attempt on your part to wilfully violate the model code of conduct and rules,” stated the order of the Election Commission.
