New Delhi: The BJP on Monday knocked at the Election Commission's door, seeking immediate probe and action against Congress candidate from Kotdwar assembly seat Surender Singh Negi for alleged violation of Representation of People Act.
He is contesting against Chief Minister BC Khanduri from the Kotdwar assembly constituency. Submitting a memorandum to Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi in this regard in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said a high-level probe be initiated by the EC against Negi and FIRs also be registered against him under relevant sections of IPC and Representation of People Act.
"Today we have come to the Chief Election Commissioner on a very serious matter of violation of the Representation of People Act by the Congress candidate who is contesting in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, where the BJP's chief ministerial candidate B C Khanduri is contesting," said Sitharaman.
She alleged that in the last 48 hours when the restriction for campaign and many other activities were implemented, there was a "serious violation" by the Congress nominee.
"The candidate Surender Singh Negi, representing the Congress party, held processions, gheraoed the Kotdwar police station and gone into the police station by force and broken furniture and also with drunken followers abused and used expletive language against the Chief Minister.
"Yesterday, he even held a press conference which is strictly prohibited... He took out a procession also. All these are clearly prohibited in the 48 hours before election," she said, adding that BJP Uttarakhand has already given a complaint to Kotdwar Returning Officer and also submitted another memorandum to Chief Electoral Officer in Uttarakhand.
Sitharaman said, "Today we have come and highlighted the fact that inspite of an FIR filed against Mr Negi and about 200 of his followers, the relevant and most important section - which is Section 126 of the People Representation Act—has not been invoked.
"This is very important and serious. So, we have requested the Commissioners to look into this and inquire into the conduct of this Congress candidate. They have assured that they will look into the matter and come back to us."
The BJP memorandum said that "all necessary action, however, regrettably belated, should be taken by the Commission immediately."
"We trust that the Election Commission will ensure to all parties a level-playing field and a free, fair and peaceful polling today," it added.
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