National Secretary of the National People’s Party (NPP), Saidul Khan on Monday reminded the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the complaint submitted on April 9 last regarding the alleged suppression of voter turnout in Alichen polling stations under the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency in Nagaland.
In a communiqué addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, Khan highlighted what he termed as “grave irregularities” in Alichen Polling Stations II and IV. Despite submitting documentary and video evidence, he stated that no response had been received from the Commission as of April 13.
According to the complaint, Alichen Polling Station II recorded a turnout of approximately 15 percent, with 114 votes cast out of 745 electors, while Polling Station IV recorded about 23 percent turnout, with 147 votes cast out of 641 electors. The NPP described these figures as “grossly abnormal and statistically indefensible,” even in comparison with other polling stations within the same cluster.
The party further alleged that the two polling stations were adversely affected by several factors, including a mid-day halt in voting due to Aadhaar and voter ID verification, alleged interference by an ECI observer and district administration officials, and an intimidating security environment attributed to the presence of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel. It also claimed that polling time was neither extended nor adequate measures taken to restore voter confidence.
Citing provisions under Article 324 of the Constitution and Sections 58 and 58A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the NPP asserted that the Election Commission is empowered to order a re-poll in cases where polling is vitiated due to obstruction, interference, or intimidation. It emphasized that such re-polls can be conducted selectively in affected polling stations.
The letter expressed concern over the Commission’s inaction despite what it described as clear booth-level evidence and documented administrative interference, terming it a failure to exercise constitutional and statutory responsibility.
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In its appeal, the NPP has requested the ECI to declare polling in Alichen Polling Stations II and IV as vitiated and to order an immediate re-poll in these stations. It also called for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure a fair process and sought a time-bound inquiry into the conduct of the ECI observer, the role of the district administration, and the actions of IRB personnel. Additionally, it urged the preservation of videographic evidence, presiding officer diaries, and poll records.
The party has also issued a notice indicating that it may initiate legal proceedings before the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution if no action is taken within 48 hours. The proposed legal action would seek directions for a re-poll, judicial scrutiny of the alleged administrative interference, and other appropriate reliefs.
Stating that polling stations recording turnout as low as 15 to 23 percent under such circumstances cannot reflect the will of the people, the NPP maintained that targeted re-poll in the two affected booths would help restore electoral fairness with minimal disruption.
