Election authorities drop code violation charge against Cong

Election authorities in Meghalaya today dropped charges of model code of conduct violation against Congress MP Vincent H Pala, officials said here.
Charges against MLA and Hills State Peoples Democratic Party candidate D Jyndiang on the same count was also dropped, they said.
Notices were issued to Pala and Jyndiang for attending a foundation stone laying ceremony of a Church hostel in West Khasi Hills district last week allegedly in violation of the election code.
Pala is Congress Lok Sabha member from Shillong.
Jyndiang is contesting from Nongstoin assembly seat.
"On examinations of the reports submitted by the sector officer and the replies submitted by the MP and the MLA it was found that they did not make any objectionable statements or appeals and there was no violations of the model code of conduct or any provisions of the Election Commission," Nongstoin constituency Returning Officer said in a letter to the two.

He said the inauguration and laying of the foundation stone of the Umyiap district hostel at Tiewsaw was a private and religious function attended by Pala and Jyndiang in the capacity as privately invited guests and that same hostel was also funded by the Church.