APPEAL FILED IN PATNA HC AGAINST RIGGING IN AGIAON ASSEMBLY ELECTION

APPEAL FILED IN PATNA HC AGAINST RIGGING IN AGIAON ASSEMBLY ELECTION

9-JAN-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------An appeal was filed today in the Patna High Court regarding serious irregularities in the 195-Agiaon (SC) assembly election. The petition was filed by advocate Amit Kumar on behalf of CPI(ML) candidate Shivprakash Ranjan and has been accepted by the court.

Shivprakash Ranjan stated that widespread and blatant irregularities occurred in the election, resulting in his defeat by a narrow margin of only 95 votes. He explained that several incidents and corrupt practices came to light before and after the announcement of the election process, which severely compromised the possibility of a free and fair election.

He said that a large number of voters' names were removed from the electoral roll during the special intensive revision process.

Shivprakash Ranjan further stated that the ruling alliance announced schemes related to direct cash transfers just before the election, and money was transferred to voters' accounts before polling, which is a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Several reports have also confirmed that these actions unduly influenced the voters.

He also alleged that 175 postal ballots were declared invalid without any valid reason. The counting process was also conducted in violation of the law.

Shivprakash Ranjan said that all these factors influenced the election results. In every respect, the election in the 195-Agiaon (SC) assembly constituency was marred by serious irregularities and illegalities. Therefore, the validity of this election is questionable. He said that they have approached the High Court hoping for justice.