Bhopal: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh called for the removal of the Bhind collector, accusing him of denying eligible service voters their right to vote by failing to issue postal ballots for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Singh claimed “gross irregularities” occurred at the Lahar assembly seat in Bhind district, where over 500 service voters were not provided with postal ballots.
Singh, expressing concern over the violation of election conduct rules, highlighted that government servants involved in election procedures were supposed to receive postal ballots. He brought to the CEC’s attention that despite over 500 government servants applying under Form-12, they were not issued postal ballots. Singh disclosed that a complaint filed on November 11 went unanswered, resulting in the disenfranchisement of more than 500 government servants.
Furthermore, Singh alleged that on the day of voting, Congress polling agents were either barred from entering polling booths or forcibly removed by presiding officers and security forces. He supported this claim with video footage from cameras installed at the booths, asserting a violation of rules outlined in the “Handbook for Returning Officers.”
Calling for immediate action, Singh demanded the transfer of the Bhind collector and additional arrangements for the Lahar seat’s counting day. He further contended that, according to a Congress candidate’s election agent, postal ballots at the ITI campus were tampered with, and the seals on the boxes were broken.
Responding to these allegations, Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan stated that he has requested a report from the district returning officer (collector) and assured appropriate action based on the findings.
