BJP demands re-poll in Saikul, Saitu ICs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 02 2022:
Alleging malpractices including booth capturing by different underground groups in at least 23 polling stations of Saikul and Saitu assembly constituencies under Kangpokpi district during the first phase election to the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly held on February 28, Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh has demanded re-poll in the said polling stations.
The party has submitted a written complaint in this regard to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur.
In the complaint, BJP Manipur Pradesh said that there were issues of booth capturing, destruction of EVM, bogus voting and violence at some polling stations of Saikul and Saitu assembly constituencies.
Citing reason for demanding repoll in the 23 polling stations, BJP's complaint said that EVM used in Leplen polling station of Saikul AC was destroyed while NSCN-IM captured booths in eight polling stations of Saikul AC namely Kamuching, Lairok Vaiphei, Salampatong, Phouwaibi, Silent, Island and Laikoiching.
Another underground group KRA also captured booths in 12 polling stations namely Thangkanpai (A&B), Pangjang, Lhungjang, Maojang, Molkon (A&B), Tingpibung, T Gamnom, Saikul, New Saikul and Twichin while KNF (N) captured booth in Bongbai Khullen polling station.
In Sijang Mongajng polling station, KNA seized voting slips of voters.
Underground group KNA also laid siege at polling booth of H Champai in Saikul AC.
The complaint also said that INC candidate along with his associates forcibly entered New Keithelmani polling booth in Saitu AC and destroyed EVM apart from creating riot like situation.
At Kharampallel polling station of the same assembly constituency, there was an incident of booth capturing and bogus voting, the complaint said and urged the CEO to conduct re-poll in the aforementioned polling stations to ensure free and fair election, reflecting the true mandate of the people.