Cortalim ZP poll: Cong candidate show-caused for misusing govt-funded vehicle

VASCO
The returning officer for the Sancoale and Cortalim Zilla Panchayat constituencies has issued a show-cause notice to Cortalim ZP Congress candidate Sandra Rodrigues for allegedly using a government-funded vehicle for electioneering, in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
In the notice dated December 17, the returning officer stated that permission had earlier been granted on December 13, for the use of a vehicle in connection with the Zilla Panchayat elections for Cortalim constituency.
It was later brought to the notice of the election authorities that the vehicle was provided under the Department of Fisheries, through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, making it a government-funded asset. Citing provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, the notice underlined that official vehicles and assets belonging to the government or funded through public money cannot be used for election work by candidates. The use of such vehicles for campaigning purposes is strictly prohibited.
Returning officer Sanket S Sakhardande has called upon the Congress candidate, Sandra Rodrigues, to explain why action should not be taken against her for violation of the Model Code of Conduct. She has been directed to remain present for a hearing on December 18, 2025, at 9.30 am in the chamber of the returning officer and to submit her reply in writing.
The notice further states that if no reply is received within the stipulated time, the matter will be decided ex parte, without any further reference to the candidate. A copy of the notice has also been forwarded to the Goa State Election Commission, Panaji, for information.