Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 16 2008:
Taking a serious note of the report, appeared in some section of the media, that the Chief Minister was conducting an election campaign at his official residence for the Moirang by election, the Manipur People's Party has submitted a written intimation to the Chief Election Commissioner of India to take up action against the Chief Minister as he had violated the model code of conduct.
However spokesperson of the MPCC (I) Seram Mangi informed the press that there was no election meeting at the residence of the Chief Minister yesterday.
A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that the ECI has taken a serious view of the matter and is set to instruct the State Election Office to probe the matter soon.
The instruction from the ECI may come within two/three days time, said the source.
Once the instruction is received then the SDO of Moirang, who is the Returning Officer, is likely to probe the matter.
In its petition to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, general secretary (Election) of the MPP S Dilip quoting media reports said that many voters of Moirang AC made a bee line at the Chief Minister's gate and entered the bungalow for an election campaign.
Referring to the reports, the MPP said that the voters mostly from Kwakta disclosed that they had gathered at the CM's gate for an election campaign as well as other election related things.
"The matter cannot be taken lightly in the light of the fact that the Election Commission of India has announced the enforcement of the election code of conduct for the by election to the Moirang Assembly seat," said the MPP and added that the model code of conduct bars the holding of election related function at the official bungalow of the Chief Minister.
The party further said that they have also come to learn that a similar campaign is in line at the CM's residence which will be attended by people of proper Moirang.
After listing out the details, the MPP in the petition urged the Chief Election Commissioner to look into the gross violation of the model code of conduct and accordingly take up proper action and prevent the Chief Minister from resorting to such things which are not allowed by the ECI.
The by election will see the use of photo electoral rolls for the first time in the State.