Cong alleges "violation" of poll norms by BJP MLA

Congress today alleged that a local BJP MLA "failed" to surrender a government contract he had won last year in alleged violation of electoral norms, a charge denied by the legislator.
Congress backing their claim based on an RTI also said it has decided to approach the Governor seeking MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar's disqualification.
The MLA, however has refuted the allegations and denied any violation of law.
"Panaji MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar had won a contract for providing air conditioners to under-construction building of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) which is being constructed by the State Infrastructure Development Corporation," Congress' state unit spokesman Durgadas Kamat said in a press conference while claiming that he has secured the information under RTI.

Kamat said the Congress will submit a petition to Governor Mridula Sinha seeking disqualification of Kuncolienkar as his act is in alleged violation of Representation of People Act, 1951.
Kamat also distributed the documents to mediapersons to support his claim.

"The MLA has got the contract in violation of section 9 (A) of the Representation of People's Act, 1951 that debars a legislator from seeking government contracts as it can lead to conflict while discharging his duty (as legislator)," the Congress leader alleged.
Kuncolienkar was elected from Panaji constituency which fell vacant after the then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was elevated as the Defence Minister.

Kamat said there are "preliminary evidences" against Kuncolienkar.
"As per the latest judgement of Supreme Court, an MLA is liable to be disqualified if found involved in consultancy or contract of any government work.
"Under the information obtained through RTI, the tender for HVAC Consultancy was opened on January 7, 2015, a month before Kuncolienkar contested from Panji for the bypoll," Kamat said.
He said, "as per norms, if a person is contesting any state election or Parliamentary election, he or she has to surrender the contract or consultancy license (after becoming an MLA)".
When contacted Kuncolienkar said he was not aware about the exact allegations made by Kamat.

"I will not react to the speculation. I should know what he has said," he said.
However, when informed about the specific allegations, Kuncolienkar refuted them, saying he "has not" taken any contract in violation of the law.