Cong alleges malpractice, demands re-poll
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 26 2024:
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has lodged complaints regarding alleged electoral malpractices in certain polling stations during the 18th Lok Sabha Election-2024 for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, and urged the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur for ordering re-poll.
Two separate complaints highlighted incidents of EVM destruction, booth capturing, rigging of polls, and force voting by unknown armed miscreants.
In the first complaint concerning the Ukhrul (ST) assembly constituency, it was reported that three polling stations - Ukhrul (A) at Ukhrul Model High School (N/W), Ukhrul (D-1) at Greenland Primary School, and Ukhrul (F) at KK Leishiphanit Junior High School - witnessed destruction of EVM machines.
Additionally, incidents of booth capturing, rigging of polls, and force voting were reported in 44/1 - Leisan, Leisan Govt High School; 44/2 - Sanakeithel-A, Sanakeithel Govt High School (N/W); 44/3 - Sanakeithel-B, Sanakeithel Govt High School(S/W); 44/15 - Tushen (A), Tushen Govt High School (N/W); 44/16 - Tushen (B), Tushen Govt High School (SW); 44/17 - Tushen Chahong Primary School; 44/32 - Hundung Dungrei (B), Hungpung Dungrei Aided IB School (S/W); 44/33 - Hamleikhong Hundung, Hamleikhong community hall; 44/34 - Hundung Kaziphung (C-l), Hungpung Kaziphung Govt High School (N/W); 44/35 - Hundung (C-2), Hungpung Kaziphung Govt High School (S/W); 44/45 - Ukhrul (E-2), Phungreitang East Community Hall; 44/46 - Ukhrul (0-4), Community Hall Phungreitang West; 44/48 - Ukhrul E (Part VI), VPH Primary School (West Wing); and 4-4/49 - Ukhrul E (Part V), VPH Primary School (North Wing).
The complaint contended that polling agents of INC candidate, Alfred Kanngam S.Arthur, were denied entry, while polling officials and security personnel allegedly failed to intervene.
Similarly, in the complaint concerning the Phungyar (ST) Assembly Constituency, it was stated that at the Shinqkap Govt High School, the EVM machine was destroyed, while at Nambashi Khullen Govt High School, booth capturing, rigging of polls, and force voting occurred.
Again, it was alleged that polling agents of the INC candidate were barred entry, and no action was taken by the polling officials or security personnel.
The MPCC has requested the CEO to initiate necessary actions for re-polling in the affected polling stations to ensure justice and fairness in the electoral process.