The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has filed a complaint with the CEO, Manipur and other relevant authorities, alleging booth capturing and violations of electoral procedures at 36 polling stations in inner Manipur and 11 polling stations in outer Manipur during the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha Election.
According to the MPCC, the 36 polling stations in inner Manipur where booth capturing has allegedly taken place are distributed as follows: three each in Heingang, Khurai, Oinam, and Moirang; four in Kshetrigao; five each in Thongju and Sekmai; six in Keirao; two in Konthoujam; and one each in Andro and Yaiskul.
Additionally, 11 polling stations in Sugnu in outer Manipur have been reported to be captured, the Congress said.
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Speaking at a press conference organised by the INDIA Bloc at Congress Bhawan in Imphal, MPCC president K Meghachandra expressed concerns over the unprecedented mass violence and boot capturing incidents during the election in the valley region of Manipur. He emphasised that such occurrences are the first of their kind in the state and are happening under the double-engine government.
The president further stated that all the agents of the INC at the 36 polling stations received threats from armed miscreants allegedly adopted by the BJP.
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Some agents even reported being assaulted, he said, adding that many more agents in polling stations other than the 36 in inner Manipur also received threats and faced booth capturing but refrained from lodging complaints due to fear of retaliation.
Meghachandra questioned the essence of democracy when the right to vote was being snatched away.
"Right to vote has been snatched by the double engine governmemy. Where is the meaning of democracy if electors are unable to cast their votes in the election?", he questioned.
The MPCC has urged the CEO of Manipur and the concerned authorities to take immediate action on their complaint and ensure a free and fair election process by conducting a repoll for the 36 polling stations in Inner Manipur and 11 in outer Manipur.
