Villagers of Bagjam in Pip Sorang circle of Kra Daadi district have alleged that proxy votes were cast in their names during the recently held simultaneous polls. These 39 villagers made headlines when they announced to boycott the poll, demanding setting up of a polling booth in their village. The election commission did not agree to their demand, which forced them to boycott the poll. The 39 members of the village, who are registered voters, were reportedly protesting by boycotting the poll, but others cast votes on their behalf. This is a serious allegation and has to be thoroughly probed.
This time allegations of booth capturing, rigging and intimidation of voters have been reported from districts like Longding, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and Upper Subansiri. Re-polling at 18 polling stations in Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi districts has been announced by the Election Commission of India. Election is the most important aspect of a democracy. It is the duty of every citizen to exercise their democratic right by casting votes. No one has the right to take away the voting rights of the citizens. The voters should strongly resist any move of booth capturing and poll rigging by whichever party. Free and fair elections will pave the way for the development of the areas. Not only during re-poll, in future also the voters of certain sensitive districts should always fight against the culture of booth capturing and rigging during elections. These are against democratic norms and such practices will take the state backwards.