NEW DELHI: A 78.03% turnout was recorded in the first phase of the two-phased Manipur elections on Monday, even as accidental deaths and voting disruptions marred the balloting.
Rajesh Agarwal, Manipur’s chief electoral officer, said a state police official was killed in a “suspected case of accidental firing” from his service rifle while he was posted in the Tipaimukh constituency in Churachandpur district.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared a video purportedly showing Congress candidate from Saitu, Lamtingthang Haokip, and his workers allegedly breaking an electronic voting machine. This prompted security personnel to resort to firing in the air. Haokip was later arrested along with a party worker. The BJP also filed a complaint with Agarwal.
Meanwhile, a clash broke out between BJP and Kuki People’s Alliance workers in the Singhat constituency and disrupted polling, which resumed later. Similarly, polling disruption was also reported from Keithelmanbi.