Repolling at 11 Manipur polling stations after gunfire, EVMs destroyed
The Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur announced on Saturday that a fresh round of voting will be conducted at 11 polling stations in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency on Monday (April 22). This decision follows the election commission's directive, which declared the polls held on April 19 as invalid after some polling stations witnessed booth capturing, gun violence, vandalism, and intimidation of polling agents.
Violence and EVM destruction prompt re-vote
In Imphal East, there were reports of a mob setting fire to EVMs, VVPATs, and other election-related documents after miscreants, suspected to be the Arambai Tenggol, shot at an elderly man, injuring him. In Imphal West, five booths experienced incidents of booth capturing and mob violence. At one of the polling stations, a gang of unidentified individuals coerced 61 others to vote for the candidate they preferred. The first phase of polling in Manipur saw a 72.17% voter turnout.
Manipur Congress raises concerns over electoral integrity
Prior to the announcement of the re-vote, the Manipur Congress, led by President K Meghachandra, voiced concerns about electoral integrity. The party demanded a re-vote at 47 stations due to allegations of booth capturing and rigging. They specifically requested action at 36 stations in the Inner Manipur constituency and 11 in the Outer Manipur constituencies.
Polling stations where re-polling will take place
The polling stations where re-polling will take place are Moirangkampu Sajeb and Thongam Leikai in the Khurai constituency, four in Kshetrigao and one in Thongju in Imphal East district, and three in Uripok and one in Konthoujam in Imphal West district. Repolling at these stations will be held from 7:00am to 5:pm on Monday (April 22.) Manipur has two Lok Sabha constituencies: Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur. The outer seat is reserved for scheduled tribes (ST).
