APCC moves ECI, demands action against manipulation of EVMs

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The APCC (Assam Pradesh Congress Committee) carried out protest at the 'Manabendra Sarma Complex' in Dispur on Saturday against alleged "Electoral Manipulation". The party members called upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) "to intervene and aid the populace to safeguard their Constitutional Rights and Ballot Privileges, as these incidents happened right in front of their eyes."

After the protest, the party leaders also submitted a memorandum to the CEO (Chief Electoral Officer), Assam, Nitin Khade. The APCC demanded that "appropriate action" must be taken "against the election-related incidents pertaining to EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) and Strong Rooms for holding free and fair elections".

The memorandum signed by APCC president and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Ripun Bora referred to the following six incidents: "(1) Several EVMs were found by the local public in the dikki (luggage-carrying portion) of a luxury car (not requisitioned tor election purpose (near the Hatipura polling station in Diphu under mysterious circumstances.

"(2) Several EVMs were seized from a vehicle in the Jamunamukh Constituency, which were being carried by government officials in the absence of any security personnel. No security personnel was present in the vehicle.

"(3) An EVM was found missing from a polling station in Kalaigaon Constituency. When people present in the booth complained, police personnel opened fire to dispel the gathering. No action was taken against those officials for their dereliction of duty.

"(4) MLA Patharkandi Constituency, Krishnendu Paul was found carrying an EVM in his personal vehicle. This was done in violation of the Election Code of Conduct and the laws laid down under the Representation of the People Act-1951.

"(5) After the second-phase of election, a total number of 139 pollIng stations faced EVM malfunctioning in areas under Jagiroad, Nagaon, Hojai, Nilbagan, Lumding, Udalguri and Silchar.

"(6) In the 'Strong Room' set in Dibrugarh, suspicious individuals were seen loitering within the restricted area. The Congress Party has lodged complaint with the returning officer."

The memorandum added, "Under the above facts and circumstances, you are requested to ensure free-and-fair poll in the third-phase of election and to stop such looting and malfunctioning of EVMs."

Earlier during the protest, the party leaders declared their resolve to protect the masses' civil rights and especially their right to exercise franchise. APCC president Bora told media persons, "Even though the Election Commission has taken certain steps, they are minuscule in terms of being a deterrent towards the political parties who have enacted these incidents of electoral manipulation, from indulging in unfair means to garner votes."

Among the other party leaders present on the occasion were AICC (All India Congress Committee) general secretary, in-charge of Assam, Jitendra Singh; former Minister of External Affairs, Salman Khurshid; president of 'All India Mahila Congress' and 'Outreach Committee' chairman of APCC, Sushmita Dev; national spokesperson of INC, Gourav Vallabh; chairman of APCC Legal Cell, Niren Borah, and APCC media chairperson Bobbeeta Sharma.

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