[Marxistindia] CPI(M) representation to CEC regarding Tripura Assembly election

[news from the cpi(m)]

February 8, 2018

Press Release

 

Shri Nilotpal Basu, member of the Central Secretariat of Communist Party of
India (Marxist) met Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Om Prakash Rawat,
today at the Election Commission office on the question of holding peaceful,
free and fair elections to the Tripura Assembly.  The discussion was cordial
and the CEC assured to look into concerns raised by the Party as detailed
out in the representation (attached herewith) with all seriousness.

 

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Dear Sir,

 

We are constrained to draw your attention to certain major corrupt practices
which the BJP is indulging in, in the run-up to the Tripura Assembly
elections.  The CPI(M) Tripura State Committee has already brought this to
the notice of the Chief Electoral Officer, Tripura and copies have been duly
forwarded to the Commission.  

 

The issue pertains to the announcement made in the social media campaign
page of the BJP where an advertisement has been published for non-resident
voters from outside the state with a promise for free train travel to
Tripura by showing their voter ID cards, posing this as a 'gift' from Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.   This is  a clear violation of Section 123 (5) and
punishable under Section 133 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The copy of the said advertisement is also attached as part of the
Annexure-1 appended herewith.  

 

As you are aware that there are questions in the public mind about the
integrity of the EVM machines.  It is through the relentless efforts of
parties like us and recognition of the problem by the ECI, the VVPAT has
been introduced to address some of these concerns.  In course of  the mock
polling with EVM in part 47 of 41-Ampinagar Assembly Constituency, the
machine was recording votes for the lotus symbol, regardless of the buttons
pressed.  The officials in-charge of the demonstration accepted the
malfunctioning of the machine.  While there is no difficulty in accepting
malfunction of the machines, what is surprising why do all malfunctions end
up in recording votes for the 'lotus'. Not only do we urge you to ensure
that there should not be any single malfunction at the time of actual polls,
but to inspire confidence among the voters, at least for 20 percent of the
booths, both their EVM records and the VVPAT records must be tallied during
counting and this must be duly notified , so that  the growing  concern
about the integrity of the machines  can be dispelled (Annexure-2).  

 

We are given to understand that a large number of outsiders have entered and
are camping in Tripura; some of them are even using official state
government accommodation.  As far information available with us, the
substantial number of outsiders are sheltered at present at : (1)
Anandamayee Ashram, Palace Compound, Agartala (2) Madan Mohan Ashram,
Melarmath, Agartala (3) Sonar Tori Hotel, Agartala (4) Geetanjali Tourism
Department Guest House, Agartala (5) near TRTC Depot, Khowai Town of Khowai
district etc.  Obviously, you are aware that Tripura is a  border state and
the holding of peaceful elections is extremely important from the standpoint
of national security.  Therefore, unless the election administration takes a
pro-active approach to deal with any attempt to subvert peace, it will be
difficult to ensure and sustain the tradition of peaceful free and fair
elections in the state.  Therefore, whatever measure including the role of
intelligence agencies and the security forces are needed should be initiated
to stop non-voters from playing any role which is disruptive of a peaceful
atmosphere (Annexure-2 and Annexure-4).  

 

It is shocking that the BJP's campaign booklet on Seventh Pay Commission
where the photograph of the Governor has been used.  We need not repeat the
role of the Governor as a Constitutional functionary; therefore, this
thoroughly unacceptable conduct of the BJP needs to be immediately stopped
by public denouncement and seizure of this publicity material (Annexure-2).


 

We are also shocked that a so-called video film by an allegedly independent
director is being used by BJP.  Captioned "Lal Sarkar", the film without
certification cannot be shown; but the trailer which also needs a
certification is being screened as part of the BJP's campaign material
(Annexure-3 and Annexure-6). This is the link address to the this video
content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbm5DMqNGas. The contents clearly
establish that they are violative of para 1(1) and para 1(2) of the Model
Code of Conduct.  Therefore, we urge you to initiate steps to stop the
screening of this material.

 

We are alarmed by the fact that the vetting of speeches and video clippings
for official broadcast/telecast over All India Radio and Doordarshan has
been outsourced to two journalists attached to traditionally anti-Left
media.  To ensure the impartiality of the election process, the task of
vetting should be undertaken by AIR and DD in house (Annexure-7).  

 

We are also forwarding Annexures 8, 9 and 10 to draw your attention to
blatant violations.  

 

Thanking you,

 

With regards,

 

Sd/-

(Nilotpal Basu) 

Member, Central Secretariat

Communist Party of India (Marxist)

 

 

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