EC issues show cause notice to Meghalaya Minister A L Hek

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to senior BJP leader and Meghalaya minister A L Hek for using an government vehicle while campaigning for saffron party candidate in West Jaintia Hills district, an official said Friday.

Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor said a showcause notice was issued to the Health Minister A L Hek based on an inquiry report received from sector officer and the police wherein he was directed to give a reply within 48 hours.

Using a government vehicle while campaigning for a party candidate is a violation of the model code of conduct.

On Wednesday, Hek went to Khanduli village in West Jaintia Hills district to campaign for BJP candidate Sanbor Shullai. Photograph of Hek with the official vehicle were doing the rounds on social media and reported in a local vernacular paper.

According to the CEO, election officials have seized over Rs 50 lakh unaccounted cash in Meghalaya.

The biggest seizure was made in South West Khasi Hills district and in Ri-bhoi district wherein Rs 20 lakh and Rs 19 lakh unaccounted cash were seized respectively, he said.

The two seats Shillong and Tura - will vote on April 11 along with the assembly bypoll to Selsella constituency.

The CEO said 40 accompanies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) sanctioned for the elections have been deployed in the state, 20 companies of which are already stationed here.