BJP fears CPM plans to rig polls, meets EC

A BJP representation to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday expressed fear that the CPI(M) government in Tripura would rig the upcoming state polls and would use muscle and fear to influence the outcome of polls.

"The pattern and the history of elections over the past several elections in the state of Tripura suggest that CPI (M) had indulged in mass scale rigging and has subverted with impunity, the electoral processes by spreading falsehoods, rumors, intimidating voters, unleashing violence before, during and after the polls," the representation said.

Apart from spreading canards, the application alleged that CPI (M) "cadre functionaries deep within the villages are threatening the voters with dire consequence of murder and rape," adding that "local strongmen and anti-social elements, with the connivance of the local police, are openly threatening voters".

The BJP expressed anticipation that the left government would try to mislead the central forces with the active connivance of the state police. "In particular, the CPI (M) has always used their state police and have kept the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) away from the critical and vulnerable areas," the complaint said.

"Most of the general and police observers are generally not available, when most needed. The Central Observers in the past have been found reluctant to act. The complaints are referred to the RO, District Magistrate or Superintendent of Police. The complaints referred to the observers are usually referred back to the very people who are complained against. Given the local biases no relief comes forth. It defeats the very purpose of appointing neutral observers."