Congress knocks CEO’s doors over poll-related violence
Imphal: A delegation of Indian National Congress led by AICC Senior Observer (Manipur election) Jairam Ramesh and Bhakta Charan Das submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer Manipur with regard to various poll related violence allegedly unleashed by the BJP in the State.
The Congress delegation visited CEO Manipur office at Lamphelpat and submitted a memorandum seeking immediate intervention into 14 major poll related violence that took place in six Assembly Constituencies. Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Working President K Meghachandra and MLA P Saratchandra and other MPCC functionaries accompanied the delegation.
Speaking to newspersons after lodging the complaint, Jairam Ramesh said that the memorandum was submitted following organised poll related violence and intimidation perpetrated by the BJP. He alleged that BJP has resorted to violence and intimidation as it has already foreseen defeat in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election. As many as 14 major poll related violence have taken place in six Assembly Constituencies in recent days. This is a matter of great concern, he added.
He said that during the meeting with the CEO, they submitted a memorandum wherein the Congress party raised four specific demands, to which the CEO assured to look into, apart from taking up necessary measures to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.
Reiterating that the State administration and police administration are not doing their duty at their best level to ensure a free and fair election, Jairam Ramesh said that the Congress delegation requested the CEO to intervene and use his constitutional authority to ensure that the ensuing election is conducted peacefully.
MPCC Working President K Meghachandra said that many poll related violence and intimidation have occurred in the Assembly Constituencies belonging to BJP MLA and Ministers.
Pointing out that killings and firing at the residences of workers have occurred in these Assembly segments, he demanded that those culprits involved in the poll related violence should not be released until the election process is over.
Bhakta Charan Das said that democracy should not be tampered by organised violence and those involved in the crime should be booked according to the law. He also said that the concerned authority should maintain law and order properly to prevent any poll-related violence in the State.
