Goa, Dec. 18 -- The Returning Officer has issued a show-cause notice to Cortalim Zilla Panchayat candidate Sandra Rodrigues of the Indian National Congress (INC) for allegedly using a government-funded vehicle for electioneering, in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

According to officials, the notice was served after allegations surfaced that a vehicle financed by government funds was used during campaign activities, which is prohibited under election rules. The matter has been taken up seriously as the Model Code of Conduct strictly bars the use of government resources for political campaigning.

Sandra Rodrigues has been asked to explain her position in response to the notice. A hearing in the matter has been scheduled for Decemb...