The Congress on Friday registered a complaint with the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in connection with alleged misuse of postal ballots. The party demanded verifications of the postal ballots along with stern action against any person found involved in misusing them.
Notably according to the state election commission about 70,000 postal ballots would be used in Chhattisgarh assembly election for deciding the fate of candidates.
President of Congress Media Cell Shailesh Nitin Trivedi informed that for the first time in the history of Chhattisgarh postal ballots are being used in such a large numbers. He claimed that in 2008 election just 5,000 postal ballots were used. Considering the use of large numbers of postal ballots in this election possibility of foul play has increased. “The Chhattisgarh Congress party demands a thorough verification of the postal ballots,” Trivedi said.
According to the memorandum submitted by Congress party the ballot boxes have not been sealed. The postal ballots are being taken out of ballot box without any role of candidate contesting elections. Serious irregularities and complaints have been observed that could affect the process of postal ballot voting. Increase in numbers of postal ballots in Rajnandagon the constituency of Chief Minister and Kawardha his home town has also raised suspicions, the memorandum read.
Through the memorandum Congress alleged that the ruling BJP candidates have the list of electorates using postal ballots which was not provided to Congress candidates. The party also alleged that it was found that attempts were made to keep Sikshakarmis, police personnel and Kotwars away from using their votes through postal ballots.