Shukla CONGRESS has launched a multi-prong attack on Government and the State Election Commission over the Balaghat ballot matter. Postal ballot tampering issue has reached Delhi and a SDM has been suspended in this regard. A delegation led by State Congress leaders and central leaders, including Manu Abhishek Singhvi, Salman Khurshid and Gurdeep Singh and others, submitted a memorandum to the Central Election Commissioner on Wednesday seeking action against guilty officers.

 

Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, senior Congress leader and former minister, Sajjan Singh Verma said that delegation led by Manu Abhishek Singhvi has submitted a video clip displaying postal ballots being opened before counting in a strong room in the Balaghat district. Singhvi has called it a very serious and dangerous matter. After Congress’ complaint, SDM Gopal Soni has been suspended and Deputy Collector Rahul Nayak has been given the charge. The Congress on Monday submitted a memorandum to the State Chief Electoral Officer seeking action against the Balaghat Collector for allegedly taking postal ballots out of the strong room and indulging in malpractice. Later, the Divisional Commissioner suspended Himmat Singh, the nodal officer of postal ballots.

 

“Dr Girish Mishra, Collector of Balaghat, on Monday, got the strong room opened and opened the boxes of postal ballots without informing the candidates. Counting the last breaths the Shivraj government and the collectors engrossed in blind devotion of the government are a big threat to democracy,” the MP Congress handle had posted on X. Assembly polls were held on November 17, while votes will be counted on December 3. Congress alleged postal ballots were taken out from the treasury room and handed over to staffers who were handling it in the way they wished. Pradesh Congress chief, Kamal Nath said “This is a very serious matter. Immediate action should be taken against the culprits. I appeal to the Congress workers to remain vigilant and not allow any disturbance to happen.”Congress accused the administration officials in Balaghat of opening postal ballots ahead of counting, due on December 3. Congress delegation led by party election incharge JP Dhanopia on Monday lodged a complaint to the state Election Commission accusing the Balaghat district Election officer of opening postal ballot votes before the counting day. Replying to a query related to Congress’ complaint, State Election Commission chief Anupam Rajan said that “No postal ballot votes were counted in Balaghat.

 

The postal ballot votes were sorted according to the assembly constituencies and it was done in the presence of representatives of all political parties. Though a procedural error occurred there about opening the ballot box before time. It was opened before the due date. In view of which, a postal nodal officer and Tehsildar has been suspended.” But Congressmen were not satisfied with the action , they were demanding investigation and seeking appropriate action.