Congress moves EC over 'BJP's malpractices' in Chhattisgarh polls

The Congress on Tuesday approached the Election Commission alleging that Chhattisgarh's ruling BJP was involved in malpractices like the unauthorised possession of EVMs by a state official and distribution of cash by a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate.

On a day when polling for the second phase was underway in 72 constituencies of the 90-member assembly, a Congress delegation led by P.L. Punia submitted a memorandum and video evidence to the poll panel.

Pointing to reports of EVM's malfunctioning in many booths, the party also alleged that voting was "deliberately delayed" in all those areas where the Congress has strong chance of winning.

It also demanded suspension of BJP candidate Siddhnath Paikra in Samri seat of Balrampur district for "distributing money" to voters on Monday.

The party demanded a probe into the recovery of three EVMs from Ved Prakash Mishra, a government high school headmaster in Chrimiri in Korea district.

"After seeing the trends of the first phase of polling (November 12) and realising that people are determined to bring the Congress to power, the ruling BJP is indulging in malpractices," said Punia.

"The recovery of EVMs is a matter of grave concern, especially when the Election Commission has maintained that the integrity of the EVMs is beyond reproach.

"This points to a larger intention to subvert the outcome of the ongoing state assembly elections in Chhattisgarh," said Punia seeking the EC's intervention.

It also demanded the suspension and arrest of Paikra from whom Rs 2 lakh was recovered by the authorities.

--IANS

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