CPI(M) sees foul play in decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold re-poll in six polling stations owing to malfunctioning of EVMs and the VVPATs during election exercise in Tripura on February 18. Its state secretary Bijan Dhar wondered why the ECI ignored demand for re-poll in three booths under Takarjala assembly constituency and opted for places which were never demanded by any political party.
Re-election would take place in one polling station each in Sonamura, Dhanpur, Teliamura, Sabroom, Ampinagar and Kadamtala-Kurti assembly constituencies on Sunday. In a communiqué signed by ECI Secretary Arvind Anand, the commission stated that the fresh schedule of votes was declared in six polling stations after taking submitted reports and material circumstances into consideration.
CPI(M) vehemently responded to decision to hold re-poll in areas which were never mentioned by any political party. CPI(M) secretary Bijan Dhar in his harsh reaction described the decision partisan and attempt to ‘boost morale of BJP till the counting due on March 3’.
“We believe the commission’s directive was based on reports from state’s Chief Electoral Officer. He and his subordinate officials are fully responsible for this distress”, he told newsmen on Friday adding they smacked off conspiracy to disturb the election process.
People would not accept ‘criminal negligence’ of the election officials to execute transparent poll process. “We are winning and whatever is happening is directed to disturb sure constituencies of the left front”, Mr Dhar opined.
He wanted response from the ECI on CPI(M) demand to conduct re-poll in three polling stations in Takarjala. Ruling party alleged that workers of the IPFT, election ally of the BJP, resorted to ‘unprovoked attacks’ and issuing threats to its supporters in the tribal reserved constituency.
IPFT President Narendra Chandra Debbarma is contesting from Takarjala. CPI(M) has also submitted demand to shift counting centre for Takarjala and adjoining Golaghati constituencies to a ‘safer place’.