Lok Sabha elections 2024: 11 Manipur polling places will be reopened due to shooting and EVM destruction events.

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Digital Desk: Rerun elections for the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seats will take place at 11 polling places on April 22, according to a statement released by the Chief Electoral Officer on April 20. This choice was taken in response to an order from the Election Commission, which ruled that the first round of voting on April 19 was invalid and required a new round of voting.

The Khurai constituency's Moirangkampu Sajeb and Thongam Leikai, four stations in Kshetrigao, one in Thongju within the Imphal East district, three in Uripok, and one in Konthoujam within the Imphal West district are among the places that will be affected by the reelection.

 

This decision was made in the wake of violent occurrences and electoral irregularities that occurred during the first round of voting, including shootings, intimidation of voters, and destruction of electronic voting machines. Additionally, there were claims of booth grabbing, particularly in an area where 72% of voters cast ballots in the two Lok Sabha seats of Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur. 

The Manipur Congress, led by President K Meghachandra, expressed concerns over electoral integrity earlier in the day and demanded reelection at 47 stations. They specifically demanded action at 36 stations in the Inner Manipur constituency and 11 in the Outer Manipur constituency, alleging booth grabbing and rigging. 

What transpired at the polling places in Manipur?

During the first round of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, reports of booth grabbing as well as reports of shooting, intimidation, and destruction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) at various polling places surfaced from Manipur, a state gripped by strife. Since May of last year, the state has been dealing with ethnic conflict.

One civilian was reported injured in the same fire event, and fighting was reported at a polling place in Moirangkampu Sajeb Awang Leikai, Imphal, Manipur, during the Lok Sabha elections.

The blame game played by political parties

 

During this volatile time, the BJP and the Congress have both accused one another of inciting violence and breaking the election Model Code of Conduct. Manipur has a history of strong voter turnout, as evidenced by the astounding 82% turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, despite ongoing conflicts.