New Delhi, May 20 (UNI) The BJP delegation, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, met the Election Commission, on Monday and demanded that repolls be held in some constituencies where violence occurred in West Bengal and central forces be deployed for free and fair counting in the state.
'We gave the Election Commission detailed information of the violence inflicted upon our workers. We reiterated our demand for repoll for constituencies where violence occurred in seventh phase and earlier phases, particularly in West Bengal,' Mr Goyal told reporters after meeting the Election Commission here.
He said party candidates and agents, deployed in West Bengal were being threatened and the Election Commission should take strict action against the culprits.
'We have enlisted with the EC some constituencies for repolling,' he said.
'West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been repeatedly threatening the people of the state that 'chunao ke baad sabak sikhayengi'(she will deal with them after election) and the kind of violence seen till seven phase of general elections, it is apprehended that violence may take place again,' Goyal said.
He said 'till counting takes place and also after it, violence may take place', adding that
BJP supporters and parties opposed to Trinamool Congress may be subjected to increased violence and demanded that the poll body deploy central forces.
'It is required that the Election Commission should deploy central forces at all EVMs strongrooms. Till the Model Code of Conduct is in force, personnel already deployed should remain there so that people are reassured that no violence will be tolerated.'
'Counting should be free and fair' in five states -- Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Union Minister said, adding that the party has requested the Election Commission that apart from existing election and Police observers deployed in West Bengal, there should be special observers appointed in all counting stations sent from Delhi.
'Sanctity of elections should be maintained. All persons entering the counting station premises in the five states should be checked strictly so that no unauthorised person enters the periphery, ' he said.
There should be a mesh between EVM and counting person so that there is no tempering of the machine, he also said.
'Counting held under CCTVs should be monitored by the Election Commission.The camera feed should be monitored by senior officials of the Election Commission, so that the sanctity of the Election is preserved,' Goyal said.
Image: UNI
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