By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 3: A major controversy has erupted over the manner in which Enumeration Forms are being “illegally” distributed under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Mawprem under 18-West Shillong constituency, with allegations that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) flouted Election Commission guidelines by distributing forms from the residence of late Dhruba Nath Joshi, former MLA, at Nongsohphoh and even on public roads instead of conducting proper house-to-house visits.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Mawprem Circle and leaders of Nongsohphoh Dorbar Shnong have strongly objected to the practice, alleging that forms were being handed out indiscriminately from the courtyard of the former legislator’s residence and in public places without adequate verification or public awareness. They claimed this compromised the integrity of the enrolment process and violated the prescribed procedure of door-to-door enumeration.
KSU Mawprem Circle vice-president Pynshngain Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi, along with local Dorbar leaders including general secretary Richmond Kharbudon, Rangbah Shnong Hardy Ryntathiang, Chairman Johny Kharmawlong and Mawbah Rangbah Shnong Aresstone Thabah, visited the area after receiving complaints from residents. They demanded that all forms distributed irregularly be retrieved and that future distribution be carried out strictly through house-to-house visits with proper guidance to eligible electors.
Taking serious note of the complaints and media reports, East Khasi Hills District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal convened a meeting with political parties and ordered an inquiry. Following a spot inspection by the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) on Thursday, the DEO has directed the concerned BLO to immediately retrieve all enumeration forms distributed from the late former MLA’s residence between June 30 and July 2.
The DEO has further ordered that, with effect from July 3, the AERO will personally accompany the BLO during form distribution and directly supervise the exercise until its completion to ensure strict compliance with guidelines.
