The Urban Local Bodies election ended with 523 candidates contesting on various political parties’ tickets and as Independents on Wednesday with overall situation remaining somewhat peaceful, except few incidents, which marred the peaceful atmosphere.
However, what caught the attention of people was a breach of election code of conduct by the sitting MLA of Dimapur-III, Hekani Jakhaku, who entered into polling areas and even entered polling stations, causing outrage amongst the supporters of the opponent at Ward No. 10 of East Dimapur.
It may be mentioned that an order issued by the State Election Commission on June 24 to the Returning Officers of all poll-bound municipalities clearly stated who are to be admitted inside the polling stations.“It should be noted that the expression “Public Servants on Duty” does not include Ministers, MPs, State Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Centre/States, including Advisors/MLAs of States. They are not allowed to be appointed as Election Agents/Polling Agents as they have to be escorted by their security guards who cannot be allowed entry into the Polling Station”, the order had stated.
The presence of the MLA in the polling station aggravated the situation, while her comments at the supporters of the opposition candidate was not taken lightly as it gave a tribal colour to the whole situation. Despite the intervention of the Sector Magistrate, who requested her to leave the venue, as she was not allowed as per the rules, the Dimapur-III MLA stayed behind, which almost made the situation worse.
The MLA was of the opinion that being an elected representative of Dimapur-III, she has every right to visit the polling stations in the area. During the height of commotion, Hekani was heard saying that she had come to see the Minority voters, who have already decided whom to vote. She also claimed that it was a hypersensitive belt and said that there are more than 50% outsiders. “My job is to come and strengthen my people whoever they may be. This is my constituency and I have every right to make sure that they are protected… If it is my people okay…but maximum outside force”, she said.
She also said that security is good and those elements who are there would do everything to create problem and her people will be quieter and they will not retaliate. “If I tell my people to react then it will go out of hand”, she said
Explaining the reasons behind the anger among her supporters, Independent Candidate Asangla Aier said that Hekani Jakhalu is not supposed to come during this election and not only that, she should not go inside the premises. She said that her supporters were very angry because the MLA has violated the Model Code of Conduct, which resulted in the commotion. Asangla said that Hekani may be an elected member but she has no right to enter the polling station premises, participating herself and intimidating people.
An observer of the Independent Candidate alleged that Hekani Jakhalu entered both the polling stations and even locked the gates, which is illegal. He said that the MLA also spoke unwarranted things, which has hurt the sentiments of the people. He also ruled out the presence of outsiders at the venue. He also said that they are going to file complaint with the Returning Officer after the election.
- Nagaland Page