ECI Announces Re Poll In Assam’s Ratabari Constituency After EVM Theft Complaint

On the 2nd of April, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced repolling in Ratabari constituency of Assam. 

The reelection in the Assembly constituency was announced after the presiding officer carried the Electoral Voting Machine (EVM) after polling, in a vehicle. The vehicle reportedly belonged to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. In regard to the incident, the opposition party leaders lodged a complaint with the ECI and demanded action against the BJP.

The Indian National Congress supporters spotted the BJP candidate’s vehicle being used to take a polled EVM to the strong room.

The vehicle of the polling party of Indira M.V. School in the Ratabari constituency broke down on their way to the strong room in Karimganj town.

The official of district administration confirmed the same and said, “They (EC officials) took a lift in a private vehicle. Incidentally, the vehicle was registered under the name of the sitting BJP MLA Patharkandi Krishnendu Paul. When it reached the Nimal Bazar area, some people spotted it.”

It is to be noted, Krishnendu Paul is the BJP candidate from the Ratabari seat this time.

Acting upon the same, the ECI issued a statement and said, “Although seals of the EVM were found intact, it has nevertheless been decided to do a re-poll at No. 149- Indira M.V. School of LAC 1 Ratabari (SC) as an added precaution.” In addition, the ECI suspended the presiding officer and three other officials involved in the matter.

The Ratabari Assembly constituency underwent polling on the 1st of April.

Stay tuned for further updates.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here