MP bypoll: Cong cries foul, complains to CEC

Bhopal, Mar 8 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh's main opposition party Congress today complained to the Election Commission against the state's ruling BJP for misusing official machinery in the byelection to Sidhi Lok Sabha constituency and Udaypura Assembly seat.

''A complaint was also made to the state's Chief Electoral Officer. In Udaypura, BJP MP and former minister Rampal Singh and his supporters connived with officials to capture booths and indulge in bogus voting,'' Legal Cell President J P Dhanopia said in a Congress state unit release issued here.

Alleging that armed BJP workers were moving around in Udaypura, he added that proof was also dispatched to the Chief Election Commissioner.

''In Sidhi, voting was delayed by an hour due to faulty electronic voting machines at several centres but the voters were not given extra time. BJP workers assaulted Congressmen,'' Mr Dhanopia said.

The Gondwana Ganatantra Party also alleged irregularities including bogus voting in Sidhi by the BJP and complained to the Commission.

About 50 per cent polling was recorded today for the bypoll in Gwalior, Sidhi(ST) Lok Sabha constituencies and Udaypura Assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh. Counting will take place on March 11 and results are expected by afternoon.

UNI