Cong writes to MP CEO over postal ballot ‘malpractice’ in Balaghat; officials deny charge

Before the results of Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, an alleged video of ballot paper tampering has surfaced in the strong room in Balaghat on Monday. In this, some employees are seen collecting ballot papers. After the complaint of Congress in this matter, the Election Commission has suspended the nodal officer of postal ballot, Himmat Singh.

After the video surfaced, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee’s election in-charge JP Dhanopia had reached the Election Commission. He has demanded the removal of Collector Girish Kumar Mishra. Here, Balaghat SDM said that 50-50 bundles of ballot papers sealed in envelopes were being made. These are routine processes.

State Congress has expressed fear of irregularities in vote counting. In Balaghat district, employees, disabled people and elderly people had cast their votes through ballot paper. These ballot papers are kept in the treasury office.

Representatives of various parties in the Assembly were also informed about the shortening of postal ballot papers of Balaghat Assembly- 111. After the work done in his presence, Panchnama was also prepared while closing the strong room. Which has been signed by the representatives of political parties.

Congress candidates also reached the strong room.

Congress leader Shafqat Khan said that the strong room was opened at 3 pm on Monday afternoon. Bundles of postal ballots kept in it were being made. The workers present here informed about this. Told that the employees are opening the bundles and counting. On receiving the information, many workers including Balaghat’s Congress candidate Anubha Munjare had also reached there. Here the postal ballots were kept separately in envelopes. We expressed our objection and inquired. The employee present here did not give a satisfactory answer. Some people present at the spot also made a video of it.

Congress workers objected to the opening of the strong room. The SDM said that they were keeping bundles of 50-50 ballot papers sealed in envelopes. This is a routine process.

Congress workers objected to the opening of the strong room. The SDM said that they were keeping bundles of 50-50 ballot papers sealed in envelopes. This is a routine process.

Congress leader Shafqat Khan said that we talked to SDM Gopal Soni. He told that they are keeping bundles of 50-50 so that counting can be done easily. After this the strong room will be closed. Our demand is that whatever work is done, it should be informed.

Congress workers created ruckus outside the strong room. Congress candidate Anubha Munjare had also reached the spot.

Congress workers created ruckus outside the strong room. Congress candidate Anubha Munjare had also reached the spot.

Local Congress leaders sent its video to the State Congress Committee. JP Dhanopia, in-charge of Election Commission work, has demanded from Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan to remove Balaghat Collector Girish Kumar Mishra. He said that Congress had already expressed apprehension of irregularities in counting. In Balaghat, the employees have opened the ballot papers even before the scheduled date. Action should be taken against such employees.

Dhanopia said how Collector Girish Kumar Mishra got the strong room opened and handed over the postal ballots to the employees. In the video, employees are seen making bundles of postal ballots. This is a serious matter. He alleged that Collector and MLA Gaurishankar Bisen is in collusion in this work.

In Bhopal, the State Congress delegation submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer.

SDM Gopal Soni said that the permanent strong room made for postal ballot opens daily at 3 o’clock. During this, the ballot papers sealed in envelopes are kept in bundles of 50-50. This information is given to political parties. Even today we were doing this work. During this time, some people misunderstood that the postal ballot had been spread and there was something wrong. CCTV is also installed in this strong room. There is no holiday during elections, hence we were doing this work even on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Kamal Nath said – action should be taken against the culprits

State Congress President Kamal Nath said in this matter that immediate action should be taken against the culprits. He has appealed to the party workers to remain alert. He tweeted this –