MNF Files Complaint Against Mizoram CM Lalduhoma for Alleged Poll Code Violation
The opposition accuses the Chief Minister of announcing a ₹770-crore water project and his adviser of holding free health clinics during the campaign period; CEO office orders inquiry as similar complaint filed against BJP for distributing T-shirts.
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Mizoram has received a complaint from the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) alleging violation of the Election Model Code of Conduct (EMCC) by Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Health) Dr. Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah, officials confirmed today.
According to CEO officials, the complaint was lodged by advocate Zothansangi Hmar on behalf of the MNF party.
The complaint alleged that Chief Minister Lalduhoma, while addressing the campaign launch of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) at West Phaileng village on October 21, had announced a new water supply project involving construction of a dam at Reiek village at an estimated cost of Rs 770 crore.
The project, as stated in his speech, would benefit Reiek and 14 adjoining villages.
The MNF also accused Dr. Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah of violating the EMCC by conducting free health clinics at Parvatui and Phulpui West villages on October 17, where medicines were distributed in large quantities.
Hmar stated in the complaint that such actions contravened provisions under Chapter II (j) and Chapter VIII (3) and (14) of the Election Model Code of Conduct.
Joint Chief Electoral Officer Ethel Rothangpuii said that the complaint has been forwarded to the District Election Officer (DEO) of Mamit district and the Returning Officer (RO) of the Dampa assembly constituency for inquiry.
“Once we receive the investigation report and comments from the district officials, we will analyse and forward it to the Election Commission of India for further action,” she said.
Rothangpuii further added that the DEO of Mamit district has also filed a suo motu complaint against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly distributing T-shirts in Dampa constituency, which is considered a violation of the EMCC. An inquiry into the matter has been initiated.
Meanwhile, the second randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units for the Dampa assembly bye-election was carried out on Monday under the supervision of General Observer M.T. Reju.
A total of 82 EVMs and 82 VVPATs were randomised for 41 polling stations in the presence of election officials and representatives of various political parties.