DIMAPUR, FEB 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) General Secretary, Medokul Sophie in an open letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, through the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, has requested the CEC to remove the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, Dr. T.M Lotha from holding the office for Violation of Model Code of Conduct in the ensuing Dimapur-I A/B Bye election scheduled on March 8.
It is pertinent to note that, under Model Code of Conduct VII (vi) it is specifically mentioned that “from the time elections are announced by the Commission, Ministers and other authorities shall not – (a) announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof.
The NPCC General Secretary mentioned that the said Minister while attending as the Chief Guest in one of the Medical department function at Dimapur on February 16 had violated against the rule by promising “to create post in a short time” and promising “Dental Branch in the Medical department will be upgraded to that of a directorate from its present status of additional director” with sole motives of influencing votes to support his party candidate in the ensuing Assembly Bye-Election, after the Notification was issued by the Election Commission of India dated February 12, 2007 to fill the vacant seat in 1-Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency.
In view of the above stated facts and circumstances, the NPCC requested the CEC to kindly look into the matter and to take appropriate action at the earliest by removing the said Minister from holding office for violation of the Model Code of Conduct under the Election Commission of India in the interest of justice.
