Tura: The Trinamool Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the National People’s Party(NPP), accusing the party of violating the model code of conduct ahead of the by-election in the 56-Gambegre (ST) constituency in Meghalaya.
The by-election for the Gambegre constituency is scheduled for November 13, and the counting of votes will be conducted on November 23.
In a letter to the Returning Officer of West Garo Hills, dated October 16, AITC District Coordinator SN Sangma alleged that the NPP party workers have distributed CGI sheets (roofing materials) to villagers across the constituency in an attempt to influence voters, despite the Election Commission of India’s announcement of the polling date.
The complainant argued that the alleged misuse of government resources is not only “unethical but also constitutes bribery”.
“Despite the Election Commission of India having announced the date of polling, the NPP continues with these activities. Today they were distributing materials in Aminda Simsang village (Polling Station No. 2) even though the model code of conduct is in effect. This blatant disregard of the rules undermines the spirit of conducting a free and fair election,” Sangma said.
He also alleged that the NPP has stock piled large quantities of CGI sheets near almost every polling station with distribution to voters continuing unabated.
Sangma requested the immediate intervention of the Returning Officer to stop such activities and ensure that the election is conducted in a fair and impartial manner.
Gambegre seat fell vacant after the resignation of sitting Congress MLA Saleng A. Sangma on June 10 following his election as Lok Sabha MP from the Tura parliamentary seat.
Notably, three political parties have so far announced their candidates for the Gambegre by-poll.
While the ruling NPP has nominated Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s wife Mehtab Chandee Sangma, the opposition Congress has proposed the name of Jingjang M. Marak as the candidate.
The Trinamool Congress has decided to filed Sadhiarani M. Sangma as their candidate for the Gambegre by-poll.
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The BJP is expected to announce their candidate for the Gambegre by-election soon. Party vice president and Tura MDC, Bernard N. Marak, has expressed his interest to contest the by-election.
