Editor
Nagaland, April 18, 2024: As the Lok Sabha General Elections loom on the horizon, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Nagaland has issued a stern caution to S Supongmeren Jamir, the Congress(l) candidate for the Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency. The warning follows a complaint lodged by Imchainba, President of the BJP Dimapur District, citing a potential breach of electoral conduct.
The complaint, filed on April 17, 2024, and promptly forwarded to the Election Commission of India, revolves around letters authored by Jamir. These letters, reportedly dispatched to local councils, are said to contain appeals with religious undertones, cautioning against voting for the incumbent BJP government and highlighting perceived consequences.
Reports from the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer of Dimapur confirm the authenticity of the letters, expressing concerns about the safety and welfare of religious minorities. They purportedly warn of the alleged collaboration between the BJP and RSS to impose a singular culture and religion, potentially polarizing the electoral discourse.
The Chief Electoral Officer, invoking provisions from the Representation of People Act, 1951, and the Model Code of Conduct, underscored that seeking votes on religious grounds constitutes a corrupt practice and violates established electoral norms. Moreover, such appeals were deemed detrimental to social harmony and unity, flouting prescribed conduct guidelines.
This development underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining a level playing field for all candidates. As the nation gears up for the General Elections, vigilance and adherence to electoral guidelines remain paramount to ensure a fair and transparent democratic exercise.