Imphal: The Congress party alleged that the BJP workers are intimidating the former party workers and supporters and disturbing the poll campaigns of the former party candidates at various assembly constituencies. The opposition party also lodged complaints with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Manipur with a request to take up necessary actions.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan in Imphal, AICC election observer for Manipur, Jairam Ramesh said that they have also met with the state CEO regarding the matter. He further alleged that Congress candidates in at least six assembly constituencies are being threatened and intimidated by the BJP workers. “They also attempted to foil a flag hoisting ceremony of Congress candidate at Saikut assembly constituency of Kangpokpi district by pelting stones”, he further alleged.
Jairam Ramesh said, “The BJP is creating an atmosphere which will not be a free, fair and peaceful election in Manipur. The people of Manipur will be denied their democratic rights.” He added that the Congress would like the state police to discharge their jobs in an unbiased manner and the civil administrations to do their jobs in a free and fair manner. “We have full confidence with the CEO of Manipur and his colleagues that they will take the memorandum we have submitted seriously and take up necessary works positively for conducting the ensuing election in a free and fair manner,” he said. “This is a very serious issue. It is a complete collapse of law and order. This is not unorganized. This is masterminded by the BJP leaders,” he said.
Also read: BJP releases Manipur 2022 polls manifesto
The Congress leader also alleged that the BJP indulges in these activities as the party is afraid of losing the election in the state. “Being afraid of losing the elections, they are resorting to violence,” Ramesh said.
He then said that the ensuing elections will not be free and fearless elections while demanding declaration of three assembly constituencies – Ukhrul, Mayang Imphal and Heirok – as hyper sensitive assembly constituencies.
A delegation of Congress comprising its national leaders including Jairam Ramesh and Bhakta Charan Das has submitted the memorandum to the state CEO on Wednesday.
Also read: Priyanka Vadra: “Jewel of India’s” mandate abused by saffron party
In the memorandum, the party requested the election conducting authorities to declare all assembly constituencies are poll related violence occurred repeatedly, especially Heirok, Mayang Imphal and Ukhrul constituencies as hypersensitive and extend judicial custody of all accused persons arrested in connection with the violence till the completion of the election processes.
The Congress party further requested to investigate and initiate action against miscreants indulging in intimidation against flag hoisting of Congress candidates in Heingang, Kangpokpi and Khundrakpam constituencies.
NNN
About The Author
