Aizawl: Mizoram state election commission (SEC) has issued showcause notices to agriculture minister PC Vanlalruata and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) legislator Lalmuanpuia Punte, who also serves as adviser to the chief minister, for allegedly violating the model code of conduct (MCC) during the ongoing campaign for the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections.Officials said both leaders have been asked to submit their explanations on or before April 17 by 4pm.The action follows a complaint lodged by Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), which approached both Mizoram People Forum (MPF) and state election commission, alleging breach of election norms.In its representation, MPCC claimed that at around 8 pm on April 15, the two leaders conducted campaign activities at Saikhamakawn near the Apex Bank area using official vehicles displaying designation plates. The party termed the act a “clear violation” of the MCC prescribed for elections conducted by the SEC.MPCC legal cell secretary H Lalmuankima, in the complaint, urged authorities to take prompt action, stating that the use of official vehicles and status identifiers during campaigning reflected “complete disregard” for the election code.The party said the matter was immediately reported to MPF Local Forum in Saikhamakawn, while a formal complaint was simultaneously submitted to the state election commission.MPCC further recalled that a joint meeting of all political parties and MPF was held on March 24, where all stakeholders collectively agreed to abide by the model code of conduct to ensure a level playing field during the campaign.“Despite being fully aware of the code, the act of campaigning in such a manner reflects a blatant violation,” the complaint stated, adding that photographic evidence had been submitted in support of the allegations.Mizoram People Forum, a church-backed election watchdog, has also been urged to take cognisance of the matter as AMC poll campaign intensifies.State election commissioner H Lalthlangliana said explanations from the minister and the adviser to the CM have been received, and a decision on the matter will be made soon.
