Arunachal Pradesh Congress files complaint against Panchayat Minister over alleged voter intimidation

Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has filed a complaint with the State Election Commission.

The complaint accuses Panchayat Minister Ojing Tasing of threatening to withhold government schemes from constituencies that do not elect BJP candidates in the ongoing panchayat and municipal elections.

Mina Toko, chairperson of the Congress party’s Panchayat and Municipal Election Committee, submitted the complaint, citing statements Tasing allegedly made at an election rally.

According to the complaint, video footage and eyewitness reports show the minister warning that no government funds or schemes would be provided to IMC Wards and ZPM segments where BJP candidates lose.

Toko called the remarks “a direct threat to voters, amounting to coercion and misuse of official authority.”

The Congress claims that Tasing’s statements breach several electoral rules, including the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits officials from using their position to sway voters.

The complaint also references Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which lists threats and undue influence as corrupt practices.

The complaint further states that “a sitting minister threatening to block development or welfare schemes based on election results is undemocratic, unethical, and illegal.”

The party has urged the Election Commission to take swift action, initiate legal or disciplinary measures, prevent further misuse of power by ministers or ruling party members, and ensure that elections are conducted fairly.

Toko stressed that prompt intervention is necessary to protect voters from political pressure and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

The Congress has requested the Election Commission to acknowledge the complaint and provide updates on any action taken.