MPSA rues use of money, muscle power in elections
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 03 2022:
Election is being described as festival of democracy but it is very unfortunate that the same has evolved into a festival of money distribution, said Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance (MPSA) and strongly appealed to people to make election free and fair without being influenced by money and muscle power to'bring the society to the right path.
Addressing media persons at Congress Bhawan here on Thursday, CPI national executive member Dr M Nara said that use of money and muscle power in election abets violence and this has made future of democratic exercise uncertain.
Campaign is being conducted to make election free and fair but no one knows how far such initiative is successful, he said and urged the people not to compromise their right to vote with some money.
The CPI leader also condemned the present trend of election in the strongest term and stressed that authority concerned should look into the matter seriously so as to make necessary reforms in the present electoral system.
According to Dr M Nara, election related violence in Sugnu and Wangjing assembly constituencies in Kakching and Thoubal districts is increasing and some masked men are threatening people of the two constituencies to vote for BJP.
It is unfortunate that these anti- social elements are asking electors not to come out to vote, he said, adding that electors of 34/9 and 34/17 polling stations of Wangjing AC now fear that they would not be able to cast vote to candidate of their choice as BJP workers are targeting properties of rton-BJP supporters.
Dr M Nara further said that MPSA will file a complaint regarding election related violence to CEO but how much it will be effective in ensuring free and fair election cannot be predicted.
There is no meaning of holding election in view of the ongoing violent activities, he said, adding that election related violent incidents are taking place in an unprecedented manner since the BJP came to power.
CPI MSC state secretary L Sotinkumar, who also attended the press conference, opined that the second phase election to 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly scheduled on March 5 would not be free and fair as there is fear that money and muscle power will swing the election.
He also said that violence in election is a policy of BJP and people will continue to suffer as long as money continues to purchase voting right of the people.
He also charged the ECI of remaining silent when illegal activities are being done by ruling parties.