The District Congress Committee (DCC) today met the Returning Officer of the Rajabala by-polls and filed two complaints, accusing the West Garo Hills (WGH) police of misusing certain sections of the law while the other complaint sought the disallowing of mobile phones or any device capable of taking photos.
The complaints were submitted by the Rangsakona MLA, Zenith Sangma who is also the DCC president of WGH.
“The police while acting on the FIR by the supporters of the NPP have invoked stringent sections of the law while arresting few people, who according to the NPP FIR are the alleged accused. This action by the police is indicative of a pre pre-determined motive so that they will be debarred from voting. This action of the police has vitiated the environment causing fear psychosis which will affect free and fair elections,” alleged the Congress complaint.
On the phone with camera complaint, the Congress alleged that several reports have been received where NPP workers have asked voters to take photos within the polling stations while pressing the button to vote for NPP.
“This modus operandi is being applied to ascertain that the voters voted for them after which they will be given money after coming out of the voting hall. This very action of bribing voters by taking advantage of technology is another violation of the model code of conduct and will affect free and fair elections,” said Zenith while seeking the ban of mobile phones or photo capturing devices within the polling stations.
