Guwahati, 28th April: Karimganj Congress has leveled accusations of widespread rigging, booth capturing, and voter intimidation during the polling held on April 26 in the second phase of the general election. Congress candidate Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury implicated supporters and leaders of the ruling party, alleging involvement of local BJP MLA Krishnendu Paul, Bijay Malakar, and pro-BJP MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha in the purported misdeeds.
Fayaz Ahmed Choudhury, the election agent of Congress candidate Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury, submitted a petition to the returning officer (Karimganj) Mridul Yadav, urging repolling in 32 polling stations under sections 58(2)(a) and 58(a) of the Representation of People Act, 1950. The petition cited defects, damage, tampering, and mechanical failures in some polling stations.
In the letter to the Returning Officer, Choudhury highlighted instances of rigging, booth capturing, and mechanical failures, asserting that the actual results of the affected polling stations could not be ascertained. The demand for repolling under Sections 58(2)(a) and 58A of the Representation of People Act 1950 aims to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Polling stations where Congress has demanded repolling include numbers 24, 161, 230, 269, 270, 271, 272, and 273 under the North Karimganj assembly constituency, and numbers 99, 255, and 260 under South Karimganj. Additionally, stations numbered 24, 55, 158, 161, 166, 167, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, and 174 under the Patharkandi assembly constituency, as well as stations numbered 179, 180, 202, 203, 205, 206, 222, 224, and 232 under the Ramakrishnanagar Assembly Constituency, have been listed for repolling.
The demand for repolling underscores Congress’s commitment to addressing alleged irregularities and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in Karimganj. Authorities are expected to investigate the allegations and take necessary action to uphold the democratic principles of free and fair elections as the matter unfolds.
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