Sikkim: SDF demands investigation into role of Soreng Returning Officer

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has shot a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sikkim State Election Commission, with a copy marked to the Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, New Delhi, expressing strong concern and demanding a thorough investigation into the actions of Bhim Thatal, the Returning Officer (RO) for Soreng.

SDF, the main opposition party of poll-bound Sikkim is unhappy with the RO for allegedly not inviting SDF for a meeting in connection with the upcoming Assembly polls and also terming the meeting as ‘routine’ and ‘not mandatory’ whereas the subject matter of the RO’s letter to the political parties read, ‘Rationalisation of Polling Stations – Meeting with Political Parties’.

“We take strong exception to the blatant denial by the DC Soreng, Shri Bhim Thatal. We would be pleased to know which person he talked to in our organisation and when, backed by phone call records. That would at least prove that he did call. The letter was given to our representative after the meeting had begun when our representatives reached there on account of visiting the collectorate to enquire into another matter. No proof of the letter being received by the SDF Party by way of a peon book record has been furnished. This must be investigated,” the letter sent by P D Rai, senior vice president of SDF and Former MP Lok Sabha from Sikkim said.

SDF further objected to, “the RO’s discretionary bent of mind overriding the mandate of the CEO and the Election Commission’s directives at large. This is not acceptable, and this officer needs to go for further training, perhaps.”

“Another issue which has come to light is in view of our Party’s many meetings being conducted in West Sikkim a final meeting was to be held on the 9th August. However, the said officer gave a whole month of meeting permissions to the SKM Party. This proves overarching favour given to the ruling Party and does not augur well for the principles of free and fair electioneering advocated by the CEC’s office. Our request, on the other hand, for permission was denied. This is the situation in Soreng District. We demand that this matter not be brushed under the carpet and a special investigation be initiated,” the SDF letter to the Election Commission further said.

Earlier, Thatal had denied any wrongdoing and even suggested that he was doing a favour to political parties by convening the meeting.

Copy Edited by Bhargobi Khaund

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