Imphal, December 11 2009: Following the complaint lodged by BJP over the statement made by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at the recent function on the occasion of World Disabilities Day, the Election Commission has started an inquiry to find out whether the remarks of the Chief Minister amounts to violation of the election model code of conduct or not.

BJP has alleged that the remarks of the Chief Minister during the World Disabilities Day observance function organised jointly by School Education Department and Spastic Society, Manipur at Ghari here on December 3 can influence the voters of the by-election to the Yaiskul Assembly Constituency which is due to go to poll on December 19.Consequently, president of State unit BJP Dr Borbabu lodged a complaint with the Election Commission.

The complaint was based on newspaper reports of the function where the Chief Minister was quoted to have said assuring that a special school and employment exchange would be set up for persons with disabilities.

The Chief Minister had also reportedly assured that 3 percent reservation of seats for the disabled persons at the time of recruitment in Government jobs and admission to educational institutions.

Acting on the complaint, Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur sought submission of a report on the matter from the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West within December 13.Accordingly, the Deputy Commissioner has today instituted an inquiry and entrusted SDO Patsoi with the responsibility of furnishing a relevant report.

On the other hand, out of the 28 polling stations in Yaiskul Assembly Constituency where the by-poll is to be held on December 19, nine polling stations have been declared as hyper-sensitive and 19 others as sensitive while the remaining one as normal.

It may also be noted here that counting of the votes of the by-election would be carried out at Mini Secretariat, Porompat.

Normally, counting of votes is done at Panchayat Bhavan, Porompat.

Counting of the votes would be carried out in one hall but spread over 7 tables.

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