Urgent Plea: Congress Calls for Enhanced Security in Assam Bypolls Amid Explosive Allegations Against BJP

The opposition Congress in Assam has called on the Election Commission to enhance security measures, including installing CCTV cameras and deploying central paramilitary forces, to ensure free and fair by-elections in the state. The Congress highlighted its concerns in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, alleging that the ruling BJP was instilling fear among voters through threats and there was a risk of booth capturing and electoral manipulation.

The by-elections are scheduled for November 13 in the Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, Samaguri, and Behali assembly constituencies. In their letter, state Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, opposition leader Debabrata Saikia, and party observer Vikas Upadhyay claimed that BJP supporters have been engaging in vandalism and intimidation tactics. They cited reports of poll-related violence, which, despite numerous complaints, have not been adequately addressed by police or civil authorities.

Additionally, the Congress expressed concern over the recent transfer of five police officials from Nagaon district, where the Samaguri seat is located, which the party argues was illegal and indicative of potential election rigging. To ensure fair voting, the Congress has also requested that voters, polling agents, and officials be prohibited from bringing mobile phones into polling booths and called for the reinstatement of the transferred police officers.

Congress is contesting all five seats in the by-elections, while the BJP has fielded candidates in three constituencies, with its allies AGP and UPPL contesting the remaining two. Currently, four of the five constituencies are held by the ruling coalition, and one by the Congress. The party insists on stringent security measures in these sensitive booths to prevent misconduct and to uphold electoral integrity.

Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-bypolls-congress-demands-heightened-security-amid-allegations-against-bjp-1118043-2024-11-09?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2024-11-09 11:21:00