TURA: Complaints about practice of money power dampened the mood of the otherwise peaceful election preparations in South Tura and prompted election officials and security forces to launch multiple checking and patrolling a night before the by-poll.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh said on Wednesday close to half a dozen calls were made to authorities about attempts being made to buy votes by supporters of some candidates on Tuesday night when campaigning had ended. Flying squad and static surveillance teams of the Election Department were rushed to several locations where complaints were registered but they drew a blank as those attempting to offer money had fled.
“We were constantly getting complaints about movement of people in some areas and immediately we rushed our teams but on arrival no one could be found,” said Singh.
Those running the cash-for-vote operation were reportedly trying to lure away the election patrol squads from certain areas where they wished to enter by making bogus calls about bribes being made in another area. Reports indicate that attempts were made at bribing voters with money in several areas, including Sampalgre, on Tuesday night.
In the light of Tuesday night’s development, more security forces and election teams were deployed for night patrolling and expanding of the vehicle checking on the eve of polls. Singh and district police chief MGR Kumar also joined the night squads inspecting vulnerable areas and touring different localities. With an election directive in place, star campaigners of the Congress and NPP who are not voters of South Tura had to exit the constituency as campaigning came to a close on Tuesday evening.
NPP accuses rivals of misleading voters
NPP leaders alleged that voters in some areas were being misled by their opponents who were trying to gain their votes through inducements.
“We are getting reports about some attempts being made to lure voters with cash and frightening them by checking their voter id cards. But we are confident and people are smart. They will not buy into such tactics,” said NPP general secretary Mathias Marak.
