SHILLONG:
The state election department’s stand on the complaint filed against cabinet minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare for allegedly distributing money to the people of Nongkrem constituency, from where he will be contesting the upcoming 2023 assembly elections, has not gone down well with UDP leader Bindo M Lanong.
Going by the state election department’s position on the complaint it would appear that since the code of conduct has not yet set in, anything could be done.” I don’t agree with that certainly and no one will,” Lanong told reporters.
“The question of a code of conduct is one thing we need to look into. It becomes operational once the election is announced. Does it mean that you commit a crime now and you stop doing it the moment the code of conduct comes into play? So is it permissible a person can buy people right, left and centre? No, I think the election department is mistaken,” he said.
Earlier last month, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor had referred the complaint filed against cabinet minister to the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner for necessary action since the model code of conduct is yet to be enforced in the state.
Stating that crime is a crime and violation of election code of conduct is a violation, Lanong said, “Action should be taken. You should call for an explanation, you should begin the normal procedures that are there in place…”
The nominated MDC, who will also contest from Nongkrem constituency, alleged that election department is yet to reply to the people who have filed the complaint against Lamare.
“They told me that they are going straight to the Election Commission of India in Delhi if they do not get any reply from the state election department, so let us see,” he added.
When asked, Lanong said, “You give money and we tell them to take it. We have nothing against the people. Poor people somehow get the money and they are benefited and why should we blame the people as they have not gone and demanded money, so the penalty lies on the person who commits the offense not on the people who just get the benefit. Therefore, I have not spoken anything against the people, why they are taking because they are poor people, if somebody comes and gives why not. Therefore, the entire responsibility and all that has to be borne by the person who commits the crime, that’s my point.”