BJP accuses INC candidate of disrupting polls
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 19 2024:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur Pradesh has reportedly lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Prof Bimol Akoijam of causing disturbances during the election for the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency by entering polling stations accompanied by large number of his supporters.
Addressing media persons at the party's Thambal Shanglen office, here, on Friday, BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary K Saratkumar contended that Prof Bimol created chaos and disrupted the polling process under the garb of assessing the situation at different polling stations along with his supporters and security escorts.
Strongly condemning alleged misconduct by the INC candidate, Saratkumar noted that as the existing norms, only the candidate concerned is granted permission to enter the polling station, while non-voters should remain beyond the 100 metres perimeter.
However, it has been observed that the INC candidate had numerous unidentified individuals attired in black uniform accompanying him, which is a blatant violation of the election model code of conduct.
Further claiming that the candidate defied the ECI-mandated regulations and provoked his supporters to cause disturbances inside polling stations, Saratkumar asserted that the Congress should be held responsible for the disturbances witnessed during the initial period of the Lok Sabha polls for the Inner Manipur seat.
He then informed that a formal complaint has been filed with both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur, urging them to take appropriate actions.