RO submits report on code violation charge

    20-May-2019
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 19: Inner Manipur PC Returning Officer Naorem Praveen has submitted a report to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur on the complaint filed by Congress candidate Oinam Nabakishore against alleged violation of election model code of conduct by Chief Minister N Biren.
Referring to a statement made by N Biren during an election rally held at Kwakeithel Moirangpurel, Imphal West on April 16, O Nabakishore filed a complaint seeking initiation of legal action against N Biren under Section 171C(1) of Indian Penal Code.
The Chief Minister’s statement reads like “Whether Congress distributes money or CPI distributes money according to their wishes, accept all. However, I like to say that the vote be given to BJP. Please accept the money because they had earned a lot in 15/20 years and taken people’s money”.
In reply to a show cause notice served to N Biren regarding the complaint, the Chief Minister admitted that he made the particular statement.
Chief Minister N Biren, by appealing voters to accept money from Congress or CPI but vote for BJP, influenced and vitiated free exercise of franchise by voters. Being Chief Minister of the State, the words of N Biren have huge impact on the choice of candidates by voters, contended the Congress candidate.
Acting on Nabakishore’s complaint, a written justification was sought from the Chief Minister as to why legal proceedings under Section 171C(1) of IPC should not be initiated.
Subsequently, the Chief Minister submitted a written statement yesterday and denied the allegations made in the complaint, says the RO’s report submitted to the CEO with an attachment of a copy of the same written statement for further necessary action.