BJP memorandum submitted to ECI

 

The Chief Election Commissioner &Election Commissioners,

Election Commission of India,

NirvachanSadan, AshokRoad,

New Delhi – 110001

 

Subject:Counting of Votes - Apprehension of disturbance and breach of law & order

Sir,

Rattled by the results of exit polls and apprehending humiliating defeat at the polls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party and their affiliates have started to make familiar noises that they always have made in past – blaming EVMs, VVPAT and the Election Commission.

Unrest and Violence have always been their principal weapon and these parties have already launched their tirade against the ECI and its officials. In one of several incidents across UP, vehicles of ECI officials were attacked and damaged by antisocial elements. Officials of ECI were detained for several hours and senior police officers who rushed to the spot to rescue these officials were also attacked.Similar incidents occurred in Bareilly and across other parts of the state.

To make matters worse, in his press conference on Tuesday, 8^th March 2022, Shri Akhilesh Yadav, President of Samajwadi Party attempted to spread disaffection and levelled brazen, unsubstantiated, frivolous and false charges against the ECI and its officials. [Press cuttings enclosed]

Win or Lose, political parties or anti-social elements at their behest, cannot be allowed to derail the democratic or electoral processes. As the highest and most respected constitutional body invested with the responsibility for superintendence, direction and control of elections, the Commission must assert its authority in absolute terms and ensure that strong measures are taken to protect the counting venues and the counting process. Stern and preventive measures and action is taken against such unruly elements.

We therefore request that;

The irresponsible leaders of such political parties, who are inciting and provoking these anti-social elements to create disturbance, must be dealt with effectively as per the electoral laws and other available legal remedies. If any of these do not believe in essentials of democracy that this country and every citizen swears by, should such leaders even be allowed to participate in the elections, the ultimate celebration of democracy. The commission must take a view in the matter.

Spreading lies and inciting citizens is a serious and grave offence and Shri Akhilesh Yadav and his cohorts must be held accountable and be charged under relevant provisions of Election code and Indian Penal Code.

The Commission is requested to ensure that the counting of votes – its venues, areas around it and the counting processes arefully protected. In doing so, the Commission must ensure that faith and confidence of the common voter is not vitiated in any manner.

 

With regards,

 

Dharmendra Pradhan                      Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

 

G Kishan Reddy                              Om Pathak