Kathmandu, October 5

The Election Commission today asked Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jitendra Narayan Dev and Chief Executive Officer of National Reconstruction Authority Govinda Pokhrel to clarify on the alleged violation of election code of conduct.

According to an EC press release, the polls panel directed Minister Dev to appear before the EC within 24 hours with clarification related to transfer of Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Sanjiv Gautam. On September 27, the EC had sought clarification from Minister Dev regarding his decision to transfer CAAN DG Gautam to his ministry.

The EC said the transfer decision was wrong. According to the EC, MoCTCA had violated the election code by seeking permission to transfer Gautam after issuing him a transfer letter. The EC said the election code prohibited transfer, promotion or deputation of employees, except for election purposes.

“Appear before the EC within 24-hours and furnish reasons why action should not be taken against you,” the EC’s letter read.

Dev told THT he had not read the letter and would comment after seeing the contents.

Likewise, the EC also asked NRA CEO Govinda Pokhrel to clarify within 24 hours why he had participated in programmes organised by the Nepali Congress in Pyuthan district from September 26 to October 4.

The EC said a complaint was lodged against Pokhrel stating he had attended a meeting of the NC and participated in  the party’s programmes, which was against the election code.

“Furnish reasons within 24 hours why action should not be taken against you,” reads the EC’s letter. The election code prohibits persons holding public post from participating in programmes organised by political parties.

The EC also directed the CDO of Pyuthan to ensure that Pokhrel leaves the district immediately.

Meanwhile, Pokhrel said he did not participate in any NC programme. He alleged that Pyuthan district administration had misreported and the EC had acted in haste. “I am ready to face action if anyone proves my participation in any political programme,” he said. He informed that NC   Pyuthan district had recommended only his name for First-Past-the-Post candidate from the district and those who feared his popularity had filed complaint against him.