Rudy seeks repoll in Chapra

The BJP complained that there was large scale violence, killings and destruction of EVMs by RJD workers in Chapra. Read in Hindi

Union Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy talking to media in New Delhi on Wednesday after meeting with Election Commissioner seeking repoll in Chapra constituency.

In an apparent bid to mount pressure on the Election Commission, BJP candidate for Chapra Lok Sabha seat in Bihar Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Wednesday approached the poll panel seeking countermanding of the election in the sensitive constituency where he is pitted against RJD supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav.

A BJP delegation including party MP Balbir Punj and state leaders met Deputy Election Commissioner Noor Mohammad and complained that there was large scale violence including killings and destruction of EVMs by RJD workers in the constituency.

Rudy, who is also a Union Minister, said though the Commission termed 800 polling stations as "sensitive", proper security was deployed only in 200 booths and the remaining booths were left unprotected.

He said the delegation also submitted to the Commission evidence in the form of photos and video clippings on the large scale violence in the constituency on the polling day.

Claiming that "democracy is being murdered in Chapra where a reign of terror prevails", Punj said the election had been reduced to a "farce".

Rudy said that the Commission gave a patient hearing.

A high level BJP delegation led by party General Secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had met the Commission on Tuesday and demanded countermanding of elections in the constituency.

Referring to the elections in Bihar, JD(U) President and Defence Minister George Fernandes said "the farce of election that used to happen in Bihar, continues even on Wednesday."

"I do not understand what the Election Commission is doing and how it is performing the duties that it has been given," he said.