EC issues note of caution to minister

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 9, 2019

SHILLONG: The Election Commission has issued a note of caution to a cabinet minister asking him to refrain using of official vehicle during political campaigning.  

 

“Since the offense is of minor nature, we have referred the matter to the EC with a recommendation that a note of caution be given to the person concerned (minister) to refrain from such usage of official paraphernalia for any kind of political campaigning,” Chief Electoral Officer Fredrick Roy Kharkongor told reporters on Tuesday.

 

Earlier, a show cause notice was issued to the BJP leader and health and family welfare minister AL Hek on the allegation of violation against the model code of conduct. He was given 48 hours to reply.

 

This was following a complaint received alleging the minister of using a government vehicle (ML 01 7641) for campaigning for BJP candidate Sanbor Shullai at Khanduli village, along the inter-state border in West Jaintia Hills District.

 

As per the inquiry report submitted to the Returning Officer of Shillong parliamentary constituency, it was confirmed that the official vehicle was found at the site of the political campaign.

 

However in his reply, the minister had stated that he did not use his official car for political campaigning and clarified that it had came there since he needed to take his medicines, Kharkongor said.

 

Asked, the chief electoral officer however said the offense is not a major violation but since it violates the spirit of the model code of conduct, it has been decided that a note of caution should be given to the minister.