The Congress party has alleged that the ruling BJP government in Manipur has violated the model of conduct.
“In a shocking violation of the Model of Conduct, the Union Home Ministry & BJP State Govt in Manipur released ₹15.7 crores on 1.2.22 & further ₹92.7 lakhs on 1.3.22 to banned militant groups under Suspension of Operation(SoO). This has made a mockery of elections in 4 districts!,” tweeted Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.
Ramesh, in a press conference, alleged that a senior government official had leaked this information.
Ramesh said these payments have ensured that elections in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts in Phase 1 have not been free, fair and peaceful. These bribes will also influence elections in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts in Phase 2, he added.
Sporadic incidents of violence marred elections to 38 assembly constituencies in the first phase of Manipur assembly polls on Monday.
At least one person was injured in a clash between two parties in Churachandpur district. An EVM was damaged, however, the perpetrator was later arrested.
Other incidents included alleged Congress workers vandalising a BJP polling booth in Kakwa area in Langthabal constituency in Imphal West district, while a vehicle of an NPP candidate was damaged by supporters of a rival group in Keirao seat, although nobody was injured in the incident.
