Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress moves EC over special poll observer for Amethi

Congress on Friday asked the Election Commission of India to appoint a Special Poll Observer at Amethi, the constituency of party president Rahul Gandhi, which has polling in the fifth phase on May 6.

Alleging that the BJP state government in Uttar Pradesh could prove hostile during voting, the Congress on Friday asked the Election Commission of India to appoint a Special Poll Observer at Amethi, the constituency of party president Rahul Gandhi, which has polling in the fifth phase on May 6.

Senior party leaders Ahmed Patel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Jairam Ramesh submitted a memorandum at the Commission demanding that apart from the special observers in every booth, more video-recording facilities be made available, special micro-observers be appointed, and orders be issued to ensure safety of voters in sensitive areas. (Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO)

Senior party leaders Ahmed Patel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Jairam Ramesh submitted a memorandum at the Commission demanding that apart from the special observers in every booth, more video-recording facilities be made available, special micro-observers be appointed, and orders be issued to ensure safety of voters in sensitive areas.

Patel said that what prompted them is whenever the party has put forward any demand, there has been routine delays. “We asked them permission for LCDs four days ago, and with two days left for campaigning, they gave us permission for nine LCDs today, and said we will permit six more tomorrow,” said Patel.

Singhvi said, “They [the state government and the Centre] have not passed our schemes while the BJP candidate, an union minister’s schemes have been encouraged...We have demanded that make increases in three key areas -- more videos, special observes and micro-observers,” said Singhvi.