Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 24 2009:
LODGING COMPLAINT over the alleged flawed conduct of polling at ten polling stations under Andro constituency and three polling stations in Thoubal district on the second phase polling on April 22, the Communist Party of India (CPI) today demands re-poll at the polling stations to the Chief Election Commissioner of ECI.
The polling stations in Andro constituency, where re-polling is sought, are 7/9, 7/10, 7/13, 7/14, 7/30, 7/31, 7/32, 7/33, 7/34 and 7/35.In these stations casting of vote was closed by 8.30 in the morning, the inner Manipur CPI candidate Dr M Nara told a press conference today at the party's office located at Irawat Bhawan here.
He said that the polling stations, which were declared hypersensitive, have been declared 'normal' just a day before the polling and subsequently, IRB, MR and VDF personnel were deployed.
Alleging a treacherous plan, CPI candidate Dr Nara said that polling could not be done lawfully due to the 'hidden agenda,' while also saying that there is no reason why the personnel on duty at the stations would not be punished.
Dr Nara said that 24, 000 votes have been cast at Andro AC where a total of 26, 000 registered voters were there.
Further, Dr Nara also disclosed that a person identified as Ningombam Brozendro, a distant relative of Chief Minister O Ibobi by marriage and a government official, has acted like an observer and created nuisance at polling stations from 31/20, Ningombam Girls' LP School to 31/22 in Thoubal AC.
Demanding befitting action against N Brozendro, Dr Nara said that he prevented agents of other candidates except the Congress's from sitting at the stations.
"He must be terminated from service," Dr Nara demands.
Alleging that the BSF and CRPF personnel deployed at the stations were replaced by the IRB, MR and VDF personnel a day before the polling, the CPI has also insists re-poll at the stations contending that the personnel have cast votes in favour of the Congress.
"The CPI will stage a sit in protest from tomorrow to register our objection to the act," Dr Nara said.
The united Left Democratic Secular meeting of the CPI, CPM, RSP, AIFB and JD (U) will held a meeting this evening regarding the matter.
He said the practice of some MLAs in wooing voters with money should be rectified and to ensure the prevalence of the rule of law in the land.
The state unit of the CPI, while quoting a telephonic conversation with the CPI Central leaders, has also conveyed that the ECI has instructed the state Election officials to act regarding the matter.
It may be mentioned that re-poll at polling stations 1/20 of Khundrakpam AC and 19/1 of Patsoi has already been demanded earlier.