During the Assam Assembly elections, a case of allegedly stopping the voting process for offering Namaz at a polling booth in Bongaigaon has come to light, which has created a controversy at the local level. After the incident, people have expressed strong objection calling it a violation of election rules and code of conduct.
This incident took place at number 59 Bijoygaon J.B. of Bongaigaon assembly constituency. The first polling station is said to be located at the school. According to reports, voting was going on peacefully on Thursday, April 9, when a polling official allegedly stopped voting for a while and offered namaz in the same room that was being used as a polling booth. During this time, people who came to cast their votes were asked to wait outside.
A video of the incident has also surfaced, which was recorded by a voter on a mobile phone. In the video, the officer can be seen offering namaz inside the room while voters wait outside. However, the video was recorded with the door partially open, making it unclear whether other polling officials or agents were present inside at the time.
Local people have reacted strongly to this incident and termed it as against the fairness of the election process. He says that the polling station should be completely neutral and secular, where no religious activity of any kind is allowed. Some people also mentioned that a Namghar (Vaishnav place of worship) is present in the same school premises, making this type of incident even more objectionable.
As per election rules, polling should continue continuously and in an orderly manner during the stipulated time. It can be stopped only in extraordinary circumstances like violence, riot, booth capturing or natural disaster. Withholding of voting for personal reasons or religious activities is not permitted.
As per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, polling booths can be used only for election purposes and any kind of non-official activity is prohibited there. The Commission has complete control over the officers on duty and negligence or breach of duty is considered a punishable offense under Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act 1951.
Meanwhile, Assam has recorded a record 85.38 per cent turnout in this phase of elections, which is likely to increase further after the final counting of service voters and postal ballots. At present, an official response from the administration or the Election Commission regarding this matter is awaited.
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