90 voters, votes cast double! EC orders repoll in 2 polling stations in Dima Hasao

April 6: On Monday, an auxiliary polling station in Dima Hasao district of Assam came to limelight for a very unusual occurrence during the 2nd phase of Assembly Elections held on 1 April, 2021. As per reports, the voters’ list of the polling station set up at 107(A) Khothlir LP School in the Haflong constituency had 90 names, but 171 votes were cast in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), which led to the suspension of 5 polling officials on 2 April by the Deputy Commissioner-cum- District Election Officer of Dima Hasao.

However, in this regard, a Press Note was issued by Nitin Khade, Chief Electoral Officer, Assam on Monday late evening, wherein it was mentioned that not 171 (as stated earlier in media reports), but 181 votes were polled at that particular auxiliary polling booth as against only 90 electors.

The Press Note by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) stated, “As informed by District Election Officer, Dima Hasao, Haflong, the Auxiliary Polling Station PS No. 107-A Khothlir L.P. School In the Haflong Legislative Assembly Constituency, has been established for the first time for ongoing General Election 2021. As per the valid electoral roll, there are only 90 electors against this Polling Station. It is noted that Main Polling Station i.e. P.S. No. 107 – Mualdam L.P. has 616 electors. Total 181 votes were casted at Polling Station No. 107-A, on 1st April, 2021.”

The CEO further stated that during the scrutiny of Presiding Officer diary and other documents, it was found out that the Presiding Officer and the Polling Officers of 107-A Khothlir L.P. School have allowed 181 persons to cast their votes against the total 90 voters against that polling station. The Presiding and first Polling officer in their statements have admitted that they allowed the voters registered against the Main polling station, to cast their votes in the Auxiliary polling station.

Taking note of this lapse, the District Election Officer has suspended the Sector Officer, the Presiding Officer and 3 (three) other Polling Officers, Booth Level Officer of 107-A Khothlir L.P. School, for dereliction of duty. The Returning Officer through District Election Officer has recommended re-poll at both of these Polling Stations.

The Auxiliary Polling Station No. 107-A, has been created for the first time to facilitate the voters in the remote area, as the polling percentage in the last Parliamentary Election was only 34%.