Assembly polls 2016: EC lodges FIR against Assam CM Tarun Gogoi for violating election norms

Gogoi had allegedly held a press conference on Monday morning which is a violation as per Representation of Peoples act 126.

New Delhi: In a major blow to Tarun Gogoi , the Election Commission on Monday directed local authorities to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the Assam Chief Minister for violating election code of conduct.

Gogoi had allegedly held a press conference this morning which is a violation as per Representation of Peoples act 126, as it may influence the voters. District Magistrate has confirmed that FIR has been lodged.

The second and final phase of polling to the Assam assembly in 61 constituencies today saw 82.02 percent of the over one crore voters casting their ballot, on a day that witnessed the death of a voter in a clash with security forces and injuries to many others in different places.

Polling officials estimate that the final poll percentage is likely to touch 85 percent as reports were still coming in from polling centres.

Balloting, which started at 7 am, saw incidents of violence in some areas.

Chief Electoral Officer Vijayendran said 82.02 percent polling has been recorded so far but the percentage was likely to increase further to 85 percent.

He said a total of 191 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were replaced in different polling stations due to their malfunctioning.

One person died following a baton charge by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel after a scuffle took place between a group of people and security forces at a polling station in Barpeta Road. Three other people were injured in the incident.

In another incident, security personnel deployed at a polling station at Nagarbera had to open fire in the air to control a crowd. No one was, however, injured in the incident.

Election officials said similar incidents were reported from some other areas as well.

Vijayendran said polling across the 61 constituencies was by and large peaceful.