John Leslee K Sangma
File photo of John Leslee K Sangma. Courtesy: Shillong News

The National People’s Party (NPP) in Garo Hills of Meghalaya has raised serious allegations of violating model code of conduct by former MLA of South Tura and independent candidate from the constituency, John Leslee K Sangma ahead of the by-polls.

The NPP has lodged a formal complaint stating that Sangma has been violating the model code of conduct on various occasions in the run-up to the by-elections slated for August 23.

In its complaint to the returning officer, the ruling party alleged that Sangma had displayed a video showing Late P A Sangma visiting a temple and applying a tikka on his forehead, which he interpreted as being converted to Hinduism, in one of his campaigns.

The party also claimed that Sangma had tried to malign the reputation of former parliamentarian, Agatha Sangma by questioning her decision to invite non Catholics (pastors and reverends of the Baptist Church) for prayer in her residence, when she herself was a Catholic.

The NPP pointed out that all these can be verified from the video surveillance team of the election branch for confirmation. The NPP has sought appropriate action be taken against Sangma for gross violation of the model code of conduct and for trying to provoke the voters and also destabilize the peaceful campaigning for the by-election.