Meghalaya: Election Commission Takes Action on NPP and UDP

SHILLONG: Meghalaya elections are just around the corner and the Election Commission of India has taken action on the two main parties of the state. It is important to note that the Model Code of Conduct is now enforced in the state that limits publicity-related activities in the state.

The National People's Party and United Democratic Party are two important fronts in the upcoming legislative elections in the state of Meghalaya and both have undertaken massive campaigning procedures across the state. They have also taken to distributing goodies and gifts which goes against the Model Code of Conduct.

The Chief Electoral Officer of the state, FR Kharkongor mentioned on Saturday that the Election Commission of India has issued show-cause notices to the National People's Party and the United Democratic Party. The candidates of the parties in the West Shillong Constituency's distribution of pressure cookers and bowl sets goes against the rules as the state goes to elections on February 27.

"We have taken suo moto cognizance of the matter following reports that the candidates of these political parties (NPP and UDP) have violated the model code of conduct. They were asked to reply.," mentioned the chief electoral officer.

The legal notice was issued by the returning officer for the West Shillong Assembly Constituency to the general secretaries of both parties. Mohindro Ropsang is the candidate for the National People's Party while Paul Lyngdoh is the candidate for United Democratic Party for the mentioned seat. According to reports, they distributed these goodies on January 28 and January 30.

Mohindro Rapsang was a one-time MLA for the opposition party Congress who shifted to the ruling NPP recently. He denied giving away any of the freebies being a violation of the rules and that the pressure cookers were procured out of his MLA funds and the distribution took place before the Model Code of Conduct was enforced in the state. While Paul Lyngdoh is the sitting MLA for the seat after facing defeat by Mohindro Rapsang in the 2018 elections in the state.

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