Imphal, December 03: Shadowed by unsavoury scenes scrutiny process for the election of Manipur People's Party's president was held today with the State Returning officer (SRO) approving nomination of two candidates while 'reserving' status of the third for 24 hours.

Disturbances occurred when the SRO, having gone through nomination papers of Ksh Brajamani and L Borajao and duly approving their candidatures declined the same status to AK Sanaton following a complaint from Borajao alleging Sanaton's involvement in financial wrangling.

With the last date for submitting nomination papers ending yesterday the sRO M Binodkumar began scrutiny processes from 11 am today.

During the scrutiny hours main gate of the party office was locked and with the exception of the three candidates, two proposers each and office assistant entry of party workers and office bearers were prohibited.

Assistant Returning Officer was also not present at the scrutiny room.

first to go through the scrutiny process was Ksh Brajamani followed by AK Sanaton.

Eve as the sRO was going through Sanaton's documents, L Borajao slipped a complaint note to the SRO contending that Sanaton's candidature should be rejected as the latter was alleged to be still in possession of party fund.

Charges levelled against Sanaton pertains to shop slots on the southern side of the MPP office complex.

Borajao accused Sanaton of holding back Rs 6447 balance amount released for construction of the shopping complex.

MPP had assigned Sanaton to supervise the construction activities.

Even as Borajao and Sanaton were engaged in exchange of few words, the SRO stamping his approval to Borajao's candidature for the presidential election announced that decision on Sanaton would be final after 24 hours and hurriedly walked out of the room while asking contenting parties to produce relevant documents of support.

However, there is no report of the SRO conducting hearing on the dispute till filing of this report.

An infuriated Sanaton asserting that he had no role on financial dealings concerning the shop construction or proceeds from it, submitted a counterclaim that all monetary matters are handled by office assistant L Ingobi.

Sanaton's complaint addressed to the SRO was handed over to the same office assistant with the latter forwarding it to the Assistant Returning Officer.

Office assistant L Ingobi told The Sangai Express that he alone calculates expenses and incomes from the shopping complex and claimed Rs 6447 allegation levelled by Borajao against Sanaton is in his (ingobi)'s possession.

Later, speaking to mediapersons at manipur Press Club AK Sanaton describing the allegation as baseless and malicious did not rule out conspiracy being hatched against him.

He also referred to the June 29 general conference of the MPP held at Kuki Inn approving Statement of Account pertaining to expenditures of Rs 44,21,535 incurred in the shop building constructions during the one and half year construction period.

Sanaton further asserted that nowhere did the audit report presented at the general conference mentioned about his holding back Rs 5447.While the said amount is with the office assistant his job was merely supervising construction activities, Sanaton clarified.

Desiring that justice be ensured to all the contestants he further expressed confidence that the SRO would discharge duty in keeping party interest on top of all other considerations.

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