CPI accuses ECI of tilting towards BJP
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 03 2022:
CPI which is a partner of the Congress-led Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance (MPSA) has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of working in favour of BJP.
Speaking to media persons at Congress Bhavan here today, CPI State unit secretary L Sotinkumar alleged that the ECI was not taking any action even though BJP indulged in all kinds of activities which blatantly violated the election model code of conduct.
All the people knew how BJP invested huge amounts of money to buy votes for their candidates in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts which went to polls in the first phase on February 28, he alleged.
The way drug and ganja smugglers have been employing all their resources to wrest political power by donning BJP caps is a serious threat to the collective interest of the State, he said.
An ugly picture of some wealthy candidates trying to wrest political power by resorting to all kinds of unethical practices was seen in the first phase of election, Sotinkumar said.
He went on to allege that some masked men who are allegedly trained cadres of BJP Morcha have attacked and vandalised houses of many CPI leaders in Sugnu, Wangjing-Tentha and Khangabok Assembly segments which are going to polls in the second phase on March 5 .
Apart from vandalising and setting ablaze many polling booths and offices, BJP volunteers have been threatening a large number of voters not to come out of their homes on the polling day, said the CPI secretary.
People are afraid that BJP may unleash all kinds of violent activities for not voting in favour of their candidates during the second phase of election.
People have lost hope of free and fair election.
The trend of buying votes which is becoming even more popular would only multiply people's misery, Sotinkumar remarked.
Saying that they cannot help but resent ECI's inaction, Sotinkumar accused the ECI of working in favour of ruling party (BJP) when the election model code of conduct is violated blatantly.
The ECI has been only silently watching when many elements have been resorting to excessive money power and muscle power, he alleged.
He then urged the people of Manipur to stand united against such brutal character of BJP and teach the saffron party a befitting lesson.
CPI leader Dr M Nara decried that BJP transformed the election into a festival of offering money to voters.
He said that groups of masked men have been terrorising people at different places at night.
People of Wangjing-Tentha AC residing within polling stations 34/9 to 34/17 are afraid that they may not be able to vote in favour of the candidates of their choice, Dr Nara said and urged the ECI to take up necessary action immediately.