Guwahati: With just five days left for the by-elections, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Friday sought intervention from the Election Commission (EC) to prevent potential booth capturing and rigging in the upcoming by-election, particularly in the Samaguri assembly constituency.
The APCC raised concerns about the possibility of election malpractices, urging the EC to ensure a fair voting process.
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By-elections are scheduled for November 13 across five assembly constituencies in Assam: Dholai, Bongaigaon, Sidli, Behali, and Samaguri.
The APCC has called for heightened security measures in Samaguri, including the deployment of paramilitary forces and the installation of CCTV cameras, to protect the integrity of the election and foster a safe environment for voters.
In a letter addressed to addressed to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar through Assam’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anurag Goel, APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and AICC observer Vikash Upadhayay highlighted apprehensions regarding attempts by ruling party supporters to intimidate voters.
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“The ruling party supporters and goons are creating a ‘fear psychosis’ among voters through acts of vandalism and intimidation, potentially undermining the principles of a free and fair election. Certain polling stations have been labelled as ‘very sensitive’ and could be susceptible to interference,” they alleged.
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The APCC urged the Election Commission to take necessary actions to ensure voter safety and uphold election integrity, stressing that ruling party affiliates have openly stated they will only permit votes in favor of their candidates.
The APCC has alleged a rise in poll-related violence since October 18, as reported by MLAs Sibamoni Borah, Nurul Huda, Aftabuddin Mollah, and others, in the run-up to the by-elections in five assembly constituencies.
In their letter to the CEC, the Congress leaders stressed the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the electoral process.
“We have filed several complaints, requesting the installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of central paramilitary forces, particularly in the Samaguri constituency, to ensure fair and transparent polling. Bit nothing has been done so far,” they also alleged.
They further urged the Election Commission to prohibit voters, polling agents, and officials from bringing mobile phones into polling booths to prevent unauthorized recording of voting activities.
Additionally, the APCC demanded that polling officials who were transferred without approval from the Election Commission of India (ECI) be returned to their original postings, arguing that such transfers were in violation of electoral laws and could affect the impartiality of the election process.