New Delhi, Apr 29: Following a round of allegations and counter allegations over large scale rigging in Chapra, the Election Commission today decided to send a two-member team to hold a detailed inquiry into the incidents of booth capturing and ascertain factual position. The EC, which has kept pending the decision on a re-poll despite the returning officer`s report, will send the officials tomorrow.
Union minister for Civil Aviation Rajiv Pratap Rudy had earlier approached the EC seeking countermanding of election in the sensitive constituency. Rudy, who’s contesting Chapra Lok Sabha seat, is pitted against the RJD supreme and former Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav. A BJP delegation including party MP Balbir Punj and state leaders had met Deputy Election Commissioner Noor Mohammad and complained that there was large scale violence including killings and destruction of EVMs by RJD workers in the constituency.
The delegation reportedly submitted evidence in the form of photos and video clippings to the EC to buttress its claim of large scale violence in the constituency on the polling day.
RJD on its part took the battle to the enemy camp by getting two FIRs registered against Rudy and his bodyguards charging them with booth grabbing, indulging in scuffle, theft and intimidating voters during April 26 poll. Rudy, however, dubbing the cases registered against him as "politically motivated" said they were lodged four days after polling in Chapra.
“Polling (in Chapra) took place on April 26 and the cases were registered on April 29. No case was registered on April 27. It is obvious that this has been done deliberately and it is politically motivated," he added.
Bureau Report