CPI(M) complains about problems in casting postal ballot

Agartala, Feb 20 (UNI) The ruling CPI(M) in Tripura today lodged a complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that a large number of polling staff were facing difficulties in casting their votes through postal ballot.

''A large number of polling staff, including security personnel, motor workers and Group D employees have been facing trouble in casting their votes through postal ballot. Deferred schedule and frequent rescheduling of distribution is causing confusion among the staff,'' CPI(M) state secretariat member Goutam Das said.

The party alleged that the lack of coordination between different wings of the election department, civil and police administration was resulting in confusion.

''A large number of electors may be deprived of their rights despite no fault on their part,'' Mr Das said, adding that the police personnel were the main victims because they had to report for their election-related duties on time.

''The time for allotting ballots to them is being changed frequently, which is resulting in chaos,'' he said.

Mr Das pointed out that only one day was left for the completion of the postal ballot-related work and demanded to send the remaining postal ballots through registered post prior to the counting slated on March seven.

UNI XC DPM RN1903