Election Commission takes cognisance of complaint against Goa CM

PANAJI: The Election Commission in Goa has sought a reply from the state government in connection with a complaint against Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for alleged violation of the model code of conduct.

The state unit of Congress had accused Parrikar of violating the code of conduct after he allegedly tweeted about his government's plans to unveil investment-cum-industrial policy giving jobs to 50,000 people by this month end.

"Comments have been sought from the chief secretary on the complaint by Congress," state Chief Electoral Officer Keshav Chandra told reporters here.

The Election Commission's local office had received three different complaints of violation of code of conduct against several people, including Parrikar.

While two were made by the Congress party, one was filed by social activist Aires Rodrigues against Rufino Monteiro, chairman of Goa Football Development Corporation (GFDC).

Chandra said the response from the state Chief Secretary is still awaited in connection with the complaint against the chief minister.

The ECI has also sought replies from two senior officials attached to the chief minister's office for their facebook posts campaigning for BJP.

The Congress party had complained that Joint Secretary Siddharth Cuncolienkar and Officer on Special Duty Giriraj Vernekar were using their facebook accounts to canvass for the BJP.

The election commission has also sought comments from Managing Director of GFDC, Elvis Gomes in connection with the complaint against Monteiro for violation of the election code.