Guwahati: The Congress on Saturday appealed to the Election Commission to intervene quickly and take action after the banned Kuki National Organisation made a statement supporting the BJP and threatening voters.
In a letter to the EC, the Congress stated that this “diabolic” statement is an obvious violation of the model code, and that immediate action is required to ensure free and fair elections.
According to the Congress memorandum to the EC, the remark published by the president of the outlawed Kuki National Organisation on February 25, 2022, is a direct and unambiguous threat to the conduct of free and fair elections in the state of Manipur.
“It blatantly intimidates people to vote for the BJP holding out dire consequences to those who will not follow its instructions. This statement has been issued with the full knowledge and connivance of the Union home minister and the chief minister of Manipur,” the Congress alleged in its memorandum.
“The Indian National Congress calls on the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Electoral Officer to take the most serious and urgent note of this deliberate, dangerous, and diabolic statement, which violates in unmistakable language the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, and to take immediate action to ensure that the fear spread by the President of the KNO is completely removed,” former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and two other senior politicians said.
Ramesh, who is also the party’s senior observer for the Manipur Assembly elections called for immediate action from the EC, claiming that the banned outfit’s activity was a clear breach of the model code.
“Aap Chronology Samjihye. 22.02.22: PM comes to Manipur. 23.02.22: Union Home Minister comes to Manipur. 25.02.22: Banned outfit Kuki National Organisation issues a statement supporting BJP and threatening voters. It’s a blatant violation of Model Code of Conduct. ECI must intervene!,” Ramesh said on Twitter.
Manipur’s assembly elections will be place in two stages on February 28 and March 5.
In their letter, the Kuki National Organisation noted that, as part of its continuing political discussion with the Indian government, the central government and the ruling BJP leadership have pledged a quick resolution of its political grievances.
It was declared in a public address by Home Minister Amit Shah on February 23 at Churachandpur Public Ground.
“Therefore, KNO has resolved to extend support to all BJP candidates for the 12th Manipur Assembly elections. Accordingly, KNO appeals to all chiefs, CSO leaders and all voters to support BJP candidates in all KNO operational areas. Any person or organization acting contrary to this appeal will be deemed acting against Kuki interest,” the letter by PS Haokip, president of the Kuki National Organisation said.