The Gujarat Congress delegation today lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer for Gujarat, P Bharathi, in Gandhinagar against the alleged malpractices that took place on the election day of Lok Sabha and bye-elections on May 7.

Congress Lok Sabha candidates and leaders led by Amit Chavda, reached Gandhinagar and filed a complaint with the CEO of Gujarat. The delegation also threatened to go to court if no action is taken on the complaint. 

Chavda demanded action against “the leaders, police officers, goons, and anti-social elements involved in the irregularities in the Lok Sabha elections”. 

‘Rigged polls’

Addressing the media, he said, “It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to conduct elections without any political discrimination, but the polls held on May 7 were rigged by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, administration, police officials, gangsters, bootleggers and anti-social elements.”

“A complaint was also filed by our candidates against the adoption of the policy of discrimination.  Certain goons were released on parole only to ‘benefit’ the BJP and intimidate voters by instilling fear in the state,” alleged Chavda.

He said that despite making written and personal representations to the Election Commission on these issues, no action has been taken by the officer, no investigation or action has been taken. 

20 days to act

Our representative has met the election officer and given a copy to her and submitted that if no action is taken within 20 days, then we will move the court.. One copy of all the complaints have been given to her. A report before the vote counting has been promised. 

Gandhinagar Lok Sabha Congress candidate Sonal Patel said,  “There has been a malpractice in the voting held on May 7. We have informed the CEO by email but no action was takenEC. Minorities were prevented from voting and voters were intimidated. Polling in areas like Ghatlodia and Naranpura was sluggish till 4 pm, so our polling agents were sacked. Bogus polling was conducted where not a single polling officer reported in over 2,000 booths.”