RO seeks report on unethical voting, complaint disposed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 08 2024: Based on a complaint that Booth Level Officer (BLP) of Chingmeirong Maning Leikai under Wangkhei assembly constituency in Imphal East district misled voters during 'vote from home' for elderly people, the Returning Officer (RO) concerned has sought a report from relevant officer within April 9 after thorough investigation.

The BLO concerned allegedly misled a 93-year old woman of Chingmeirong Maning Leikai during 'vote from home' polls for the 18th Lok Sabha election on April 7, reportedly asking the woman voter to cast her vote in favour of SI No 2 and even tried to offer money.

A complaint in this regard has been filed by election agent of INC candidate for Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.

Based on the complaint, RO Th Kirankumar has sought a detailed report about the matter from assistant RO of 15-Wangkhei assembly segment and told to submit the report by April 9 .

The report must mention if secrecy was maintained during voting at the particular place or not and also accompany statements of the polling team and micro observer.

The report should have other evidences if found during the investigation and action taken regarding the incident.

Notably, the complaint filed by INC candidate Bimol Akoijam's election agent to RO mentioned that a polling team arrived at the house of Wangkheirakpam Mani Devi, 93 of Chingmeirong Maning Leikai under Wangkhei assembly constituency in Imphal East district on April 7 for 'vote from home' exercise, a special provision given to aged voters.

The complaint also mentioned about report of Booth Level Officer (BLO) of the said polling station trying to misled the aged voter by saying 'Nga Chanaba Sei Pige, SI No 2 Vote Thadou' (Will pay for fish dish, cast vote for serial number 2) during the preparation for voting at the woman's house.

Incidentally, SI No 2 happens to BJP candidate Th Basanta Kumar and such acts would not only mislead voters but also give new dimension to the election, the complaint mentioned and demanded that the particular vote must be declared invalid and polling agents allowed to take part in such polls.

Meanwhile, Imphal East DEO Khumanthem Daina issued a statement on Monday informing that Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) had conducted an enquiry on the complaint filed by INC candidate Angomcha Bimol Akoijam's election agent Hidangmayum Suresh Sharma.

A report regarding the incident has been submitted by the ARO and the polling team has submitted videos related to the poll process to ARO concerned.

Regarding the allegation levelled against BLO of Chingmeirong Maning Leikai, the DEO mentioned in her statement that there was no concrete evidence of wrongful or disturbing acts on parts of the BLO concerned and polling officials in discharging their poll duties.

Nevertheless, Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) cum ARO had been instructed to appoint one BLO under Section 13 B(2) of the Representation of People's Act, 1950 to keep intact people's trust on poll process and to ensure that the election conducted lawfully and transparently.

DEO Imphal East also mentioned in her statement that the complaint has been disposed.

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