AGARTALA, May 3 - In an unprecedented move, the ruling BJP has lodged a complaint against Tripura Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sriram Tarinikanta with the Election Commission (EC) for �failing to act impartially�.
Peeved by the latest developments � removal of the returning officer of the West Tripura Lok Sabha seat, Dr Sandeep Mahatme, and punitive action against some other poll officials � a six-member delegation of the BJP, headed by Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in New Delhi on Thursday night, party sources said here today.
During the course of the meeting, the BJP delegation submitted a memorandum to the CEC, alleging a partisan role by the Tripura CEO in handling the election to the West Tripura Lok Sabha constituency on April 11.
In the memorandum, it has been alleged that the CEO had directed all DEOs, AROs and other poll officials to escort voters to the polling booths and ensure their safe return at the behest of a particular political party. The CEO�s order was subsequently carried out, which is gross violation of the election rules and the model code of conduct, the BJP delegation maintained.
The delegation also pointed out that several FIRs and show-cause notices were served on civil services officers and other election officials after the polling to the West Tripura seat. It has virtually disturbed the State�s election machinery. After giving a patient hearing to the BJP delegation, the CEC reportedly assured them that action would be taken as per law.
The BJP�s representation against the State CEO is being seen as an unprecedented move. Significantly, Tarinikanta had headed the State election panel when the BJP won the Assembly election last year, unseating the Left Government.
Meanwhile, the State Government has sent three names for appointment as returning officer of the East Tripura Parliamentary constituency, as sought by the EC. Appointment of the returning officer for the seat has become necessary after the incumbent, Vikash Singh, was shifted to the West Tripura seat as its returning officer.
