BTC Polls: CCBTRO urges CM Sonowal to curb cash-for-vote practice

OUR CORRESPONDENT

KOKRAJHAR: The Coordination Committee of BTR Organizations (CCBTRO), a conglomeration of student unions and social organizations favoring the democratic principles of the nation on Sunday called on Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati and submitted a memorandum demanding to curb the practice of cash for vote by certain political parties to ensure free and fair BTC election to be held in two phases on December 7 and 10 next. The joint organizations also urged the government of Assam to ensure full proof security during the election.

In a joint statement signed by 15 different organizations led by ABSU, they said the organization was working for the healthy democracy in the entire State of Assam and BTR and in this connection, they raised some concerns in the ensuing Election Code of Conduct in BTC. They said since the COVID-19 pandemic situation the entire electioneering process was put on hold, however, various political parties are engaged in election campaigns in the region. In this process of campaign or in party activities there are certain activities carried out to illegally twist the common people in their favour, they said adding that such unhealthy practice is unwelcome for the healthy democracy.

The CCBTRO urged the Chief Minister for taking prompt intervention and action to check and stop all kinds of unfair activities. They demanded to conduct the BTC elections with full proof security for the free and fair participation of the citizens during elections. They alleged that violence and fear have invoked to the common people especially by some political party in the region which is trying to malign the peaceful conduct of BTC elections 2020, and hence ABSU and joint organizations urged the State government to employ every effort for peaceful, free and fair BTC elections.

"There are illegal activities carried out by some political parties for attracting the voters by using cash for vote tactics and distributing the same," they said adding that further the decision of two phase conduct of ensuing election was a good step to arrange better security and maintain the COVID-19 protocol.

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