Imphal, January 27: In consonance with the show cause notice served to the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh based on news photo regarding handing over of cash during an election campaign in Thoubal assembly constituency, O Ibobi is informed to have submitted in-written his side of the story.

The submission handed over to the State�s Chief Electoral Officer has been subsequently forwarded to the Chief Election Commissioner for perusal and necessary action, if any.

While confirming the development to media persons at DIPR this evening, CEO RR Rashmi, however, stated that inquiry report of the District Electoral Officer, Thoubal on the same issue is yet to be received.

According to the CEO the CM�s response cited the money being handed to the elderly person for a religious ceremony and question of attempting to woo voters through influence of money power do not arise.

It may be mentioned that when contacted Chairman of MPCC�s Media Cell Seram Mangi had asserted that the money was given to an ailing person to procure medicines.

What decision and swiftness of action, if any, on the issue would be the prerogative of the ECI, opined Rashmi while adding that under normal procedures if any instances of violating election code of conduct is detected during the DEO�s inquiry the same official would put up the matter to a Court.

regarding validity of documents that could qualify as identity cards of the electorates, CEO pointed out that identity papers/documents issued by village authority would not be accepted.

While conveying that notification for the third phase polling was issued today, Rashmi also informed that department concerned had been asked to investigate report of fresh appointment in the Agriculture Department�s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wangbal.

Notification for the third phase of polling slated for February 23 was issued today and would cover Assembly constituencies of Jiribam, Chandel, Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts.

Last date of filing nomination papers for the third phase of polling has been fixed on February 3 while scrutiny would be done on February 5.The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is February 7.Polling would start at 7 am and continue till 3:30 pm of February 23.Polling for the third phase would be done in 512 polling stations of which 203 have been categorised as hyper-sensitive.

Altogether 3,66,299 voters would exercise their franchise during the final phase of the polling.

The constituencies which will go to polls in the final phase include Jiribam of Imphal East district, Chandel and Tengnoupal constituencies of Chandel district, Nungba of Tamenglong district and Tipaimukh, Thanlon, Henglep, Churachandpur, Saikot and Singhat of Churachandpur district.