Peace talk 'masterstroke' stoking political storm
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: March 03, 2022 -

IN view of the contentions by a number of non-BJP parties that the first phase of the assembly election held on February 28 was far from being a free and fair affair, the Election Commission of India would definitely be eager to conduct the second phase polling on March 5 with minimal fuss.

On official record, it is obvious that the first phase election would be classified as smooth, successful and cordial.

However, Congress leaders and candidates of different political parties alleging widespread electoral malpractices in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts put a spanner on the Manipur CEO's claims that the first phase elections passed off without any major incidents.

As the aggrieved parties have categorically claimed involvement or interference of Kuki armed outfits, which are signatories to the suspension of operation pact with both the state and central governments, the complaints merit consideration and necessary follow up measures without which different sections of the society would rightly cast aspersions on the purpose of holding the democratic exercise with such elaborate arrangement.

While it is the ECI's prerogative to take a call on either to validate the votes cast or order fresh election, the Congress party has made it crystal clear that it is not impressed with the CEO equating the healthy turn-out of voters in the first phase to blemish-free conduct of the polls.

AICC election observer Jairam Ramesh demanding re-poll in nine assembly constituencies in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts on the ground that no fair election was held in these constituencies sums up the utter dismay of the grand old party over dilution of the fair play principle.

Along with asserting that democracy and Constitution were murdered in the nine assembly constituencies, Jairam's observation that Prime Minister, Union home minister and KNO should be held accountable for the electoral malpractices holds water especially taking into account of thefact that the KNO's threat to voters who are not in favour of the BJP candidate came soon after home minister Amit Shah announced resolution of the Kuki issue within five years during election rallies held in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur and Kangpok-pi districts.

For over 10 years, various Kuki armed groups have been officially holding ceasefire with government forces and periodically negotiating with government representatives to iron out differences in pursuance of its political goal.

Moreover, Jairam's poser as to how could armed cadres of unlawful organisations who are supposed to be confined in their respective designated camps managed to come out and threatened voters to vote for BJP candidates assumes significance as four Henglep assembly constituency contestants nominated by Shiv Sena, JD-U, NPP and INC too alleged booth capturing in over 10 polling stations by cadres of different outfits under ceasefire pact with the government.

Notably, dissent of the Henglep candidates is centred on the gross violation of the people's right to franchise by outfits, which recently made the unprecedented announcements of asking the voters to support the BJP candidates and issuing veiled threats that those defying its declaration will have to face the consequences, which technically meant suppression of the people's democratic rights.

As such, it should be the obligation of the ECI to study merit of the cases and do the needful so as to uphold sanctity of all democratic institutions and processes.