SEC's justifications on VVPAT, CAPF & web-casting unsatisfactory: Left Front

Senior CPI(M) leader and Left Front convenor Manik Dey on Friday asserted that the Tripura Left Front Committee was not satisfied with the responses it had received from the end of State Election Commission regarding various concerns it had ventilated during the all party meeting convened on April 01.

Apart from the state election commissioner, DGP Tripura Police and IG Law and Order were also present at the all party meeting, said Dey.  

Speaking to media persons at the CPIM state headquarters, Dey said that the justifications advanced by the state election commission for the decisions it had undertaken for the TTAADC and Dharmanagar by-elections couldn’t allay the apprehensions of the opposition parties fully.

Questioning the use of EVMs sourced from another state, Dey said it was “strange” that EVMs were brought from Madhya Pradesh despite availability of machines previously used in elections in Tripura.

He also cited the remarks of tribal welfare minister Bikash Debbarma and expressed apprehensions on fair polls.  “The minister said that the votes would be casted in favour of the BJP no matter which button the voters had pressed during the poll day. We lodged a complaint against him with the commission but whether the poll panel took any action against him or not is still not known to us,” he said.

Demanding use of VVPAT, Dey said, “The Commission dismissed our request for use of VVPATs along with EVMs stating that it was not possible at the moment. We demand that VVPAT should be used for fair elections. We differ from the view of the State Election Commission in this particular issue as well,” Dey said.

On security arrangements, the CPI(M) leader said the Left Front had sought deployment of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), but was informed that such deployment would not be possible.

He said the Commission is empowered to requisition central forces, citing instances in other states, and added that the demand was aimed at ensuring neutrality and voter confidence.

Dey further said concerns were raised regarding the safety and access of polling agents, asserting that they should be allowed to enter polling booths and discharge their duties without obstruction.

“The Commission’s response on the issue of polling agents was also not satisfactory,” he noted.

He also alleged that opposition parties were facing resistance during campaigning in some areas and called for a level playing field.

According to Dey, the Commission informed the opposition party leaders that web-casting of the poll process wouldn’t be possible because of paucity of funds.

“This excuse of non-availability of adequate funds for installation of web casting facilities is also not justified as it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that proper funds are arranged for conducting free, fair and peaceful polls,” he added.

There was no immediate response from the State Election Commission on the allegations.

Apart from Dey, leaders of other Left Front constituents were also present at the press conference.