Did not violate code of conduct — KL Chishi

Dimapur, April 4 (EMN): Congress’ candidate for Lok Sabha, KL Chishi has denied violation of the election model code of conduct, in response to a show cause notice served on April 3 by the office of the Nagaland commissioner and returning officer. “…I believe that I have not violated the model code of conduct and does (sic) not intent to do so. Whatever publication that has appeared in the social media has been circulated without my knowledge,” Chishi stated in his reply. According to him, the letter identifying him as a former chief minister via the letterhead was sent to the NPCC media cell ‘for necessary corrections or additions, if any’ prior to publication in the local newspapers. He termed it ‘most unfortunate’ that prior to the publication in the newspapers, “the entire content with the letterhead” was circulated in social media. “That the word Christian used in my appeal was not to aggravate existing difference or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic but only to show my religion is Christian and that there was no intention in my statement to seek votes in the name of religion, castes or community. “That even before the said publication, it has been fortunate on my part that it has come to the notice of your authorities before the said appeal and pledge could be published in the local dailies,” read Chishi’s reply. He stated that the use of the official emblem of India in his writing pad “will be discontinued during the process of any correspondence with the party or any persons.” Expressing regret at the “misunderstanding”, Chishi extended apology to the inconvenience caused to the authority. “I will do all that I can, to avoid such acts that come to my notice.”