Shillong, Feb 8: Shillong MP Vincent H. Pala maintained that attending a prayer meet to bless the opening of a hostel is not a violation of the model code of conduct.
Pala and HSPDP sitting legislator from Nongstoiñ, D. Jyndiang was served showcause notices for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by attending a function for “laying of foundation stone†of a hostel of Umyiap District at Tiehsaw village in West Khasi Hills.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Pala who is also the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president said, he has received the showcause notice and will reply to it accordingly.
He however said that he had gone to Nongstoin because the request was made to him two months back by the Presbyterian Church to attend the laying of foundation stone of the hostel.
“But I told the church leaders very clearly that we will not talk political or give money so we went there and start the prayer by pastor and a choir group sang songs and the pastor gave his blessing. We also finished the meeting very fast,†he said.
“People from the Election Commission came and told us that we have violated the MCC but I told them that we were aware of it. I think the MCC does not stop people from praying and does not stop people from giving blessing,†he said.
On the other hand, HSPDP chief Ardent Basaiawmoit said that he had spoken to Jyndiang, who informed that he was invited to attend a prayer meeting. “Therefore, attending a prayer meet is not a violation of the model code of conduct,†he added.
Chief Electoral Officer, F.R. Kharkongor said according to the model code of conduct no political person should attend any public function organized by the government, but it depends on the kind of function even if it is privately organized.
“We have served showcause notices to both Pala and Jyndiang seeking explanation from them within five days,†he said.
