SDM suspended after Tehsildar in postal ballot tampering: Action after Congress’ complaint to Central Election Commission in Balaghat case

SDM Gopal Soni has been suspended in connection with the case of postal ballot tampering in the strong room of the treasury office in Balaghat. In his place, Deputy Collector Rahul Nayak has been given charge. Earlier, nodal officer Himmat Singh (Tehsildar) was suspended.

The Congress delegation had complained about this matter to the Central Election Commission on Tuesday. In Delhi, Congress leaders Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Salman Khurshid and Gurdeep Singh Sappal reached the commission office. By submitting a memorandum here, he demanded strict action in the matter.

SDM Gopal Soni has been suspended.

SDM Gopal Soni has been suspended.

After this, Singhvi said in front of the media – We have also given the video related to the Balaghat case to the Election Commission. It is clearly visible that the election officers, who are the protectors, are becoming the predators. They are tampering with the postal ballot. This is a very serious matter. We express hope and confidence that action will be taken as soon as possible regarding the misuse of government machinery and violation of the election code of conduct.

Singhvi said- We have talked to the Election Commission on three main issues. The first issue is regarding violation of the code of conduct by serious and indecent statements by PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. We have told the Election Commission that these things are extremely objectionable and against the code of conduct. The playing field of law should be equal for everyone.

The second issue is regarding the Telangana elections, in which the code of conduct is being continuously violated by the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in different ways. The third issue is about tampering with postal ballots in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. We hope that the Election Commission will take action against these complaints.

Here, in Bhopal, Congress once again raised the demand for suspension of Balaghat Collector Girish Kumar Mishra. Also, the process adopted by the Collector regarding postal votes on November 27 was termed as against the rules. Congress vice president and in-charge (Election Commission work) JP Dhanopia accused Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan and said that even after the complaint, he took the matter lightly. He protected the Collector by taking action against the General Officer.

Dhanopia has also asked for a copy of the reports related to the entire action taken in Balaghat. Accusing Collector Mishra of being close to BJP candidate and minister Gaurishankar Bisen, he has demanded action against him before the counting of votes. It has also been said that people close to Bisen have been engaged in the work related to counting of postal votes, who should be removed.