Nagaland civic body polls take place after 20 years, voter turnout at 80 pc
Kohima, Jun 26: Around 80 per cent of the over 2.23 lakh electorate on Wednesday exercised their franchise in the Nagaland civic polls, held after a gap of 20 years, a senior official said.
Voting for 25 urban local bodies (ULBs) in 10 districts began at 7:30 am amid tight security and continued till 4 pm, he said.
The turnout figure is likely to increase as voters were still in queue at many polling stations, the official said.
“Voting has been peaceful... A three-tier security arrangement was put in place in 214 polling stations across the 10 districts,” a State Election Commission (SEC) official told reporters here.
Instead of EVMs, voting took place through ballot papers in the 420 polling stations, he said.
This is a historic election for the northeastern state, as the polling to three municipalities and 36 town councils were conducted after a gap of 20 years.
The urban local body polls were also held for the first time with 33 per cent women reservation, the official said.
The votes will be counted on June 29.
Over 2.23 lakh voters, including 1,13,521 women, will decide the electoral fate of 523 candidates from 11 political parties.
The government had announced elections to urban local bodies several times in the past, but objections from tribal bodies and civil society organisations against reservation for women, and tax on land and properties, created hurdles in conducting the polls.
Among the parties contesting the elections are the NDPP, BJP, Congress, Naga Peoples' Front (NPF), Rising Peoples' Party, RPI (Athawale), JD(U), LJP, NCP and the NPP.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), however, had declared that six districts in the region would not participate in the elections.
ENPO, the apex body of seven Naga tribes in the six eastern districts, has been demanding a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory', claiming that the region has been neglected for years.
There are 14 town councils in the ENPO area.
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Lokayukta ADGP M. Chandrasekhar calls Kumaraswamy’s allegations ‘false, malicious’
Bengaluru: Lokayukta ADGP and Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief M. Chandrasekhar has strongly refuted the accusations of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and termed it ‘false and malicious.’
"HD Kumaraswamy, an accused in SIT's case no.16/14, made false and malicious allegations and threats in a press conference today," said Chandrashekar.
Chandrasekhar stated that these allegations were aimed at intimidating SIT officers, particularly as the SIT has sought legal action against Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail. "These accusations were made to prevent us from fulfilling our duties," Chandrasekhar remarked, adding that no matter the status of the accused, they will be treated fairly and according to the law.
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He further mentioned, “By attacking me, they may have intended to strike fear in the minds of the SIT officers. However, Chandrasekhar said that no matter how high in position and mighty an accused is, he is just an accused. We will not be deterred by such accusations and threats. I work fearlessly and impartially as SIT head, and promise to give justice to all. I also promise to protect you from criminals and accused in our cases and from external influences.”
Retorting to Kumaraswamy's allegations, Chandrashekar cited George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, "Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it," explaining that although they may have to face criminals and accusations in their line of duty, they must remain steadfast in their mission.
“Never lose hope. Because truth always wins. Let us believe in truth, God and our law.Satyameva Jayate,” the letter read.
