BJP for invalidating proxy votes, not repoll
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 14 2012:
Pointing out that malpractices were rampant in the re-poll too, BJP Manipur Pradesh has urged the ECI to invalidate the proxy votes rather than going for re-poll in the particular polling stations.
Informing that BJP Manipur Pradesh has submitted a representation to the ECI today, BJP Manipur Pradesh acting president Prof S Tikendra stated that the photo comparison work done under supervision of the three special observers clearly revealed that malpractices were rampant in a large number of polling stations.
Based on complaints of malpractices, re-poll was already held in 34 polling stations but the same malpractices could not be prevented.
As such, it is unlikely that the malpractices can be corrected by holding another re-poll.
It would be more appropriate to invalidate the proxy votes and exclude them from counting.
It would also be a good lesson to the wrong doers, Prof Tikendra asserted.
In addition to the representation sent today, top leaders of the party would meet ECI officials and exert pressure to avoid re-poll, he said.
To a query, the acting president claimed that BJP candidates would win in five seats out of 19 candidates fielded.
The party would join a non-Congress alliance and take active roles in forming a coalition Government, he added.