People's Democracy

THE CPI(M) Assam state committee expressed its considered opinion that the forthcoming elections to the state assembly must be held at least in two phases before the national festival of Assam – the ‘Bohag Bibu’. It suggested that the elections can be held in the month of April 2006.

A four-member CPI(M) delegation comprising Deben Bhattacharya, Isfaqur Rahman, Ajit Das and Suprakash Talukkdar met the chief election commissioner of India, B B Tandon on December 12 at Guwahati Circuit House and presented a memorandum on behalf of the Assam CPI(M) state committee. It outlined certain proposals regarding the conduct of forthcoming elections to the state assembly. It may be noted the term of the present assembly is coming to an end in May 2006.

The CPI(M) leaders urged the CEC to ensure free and fair elections in the state by deploying adequate security forces with armed guards at each polling station. Further, they impressed upon the need for the Election Commission of India to see that the present state government does not misuse its official machinery for their narrow and partisan electoral gains.

"The uncertainty over the ‘doubtful voters’ should not be prolonged further and a quick decision regarding their voting rights should be taken at the earliest" noted the memorandum. It asked the Election Commission of India to ensure the right of franchise to each and every genuine Indian citizen of Assam in the coming elections. (INN)