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 was facing difficulties in casting votes through postal ballot.

''A large number of polling staff, including security personnel, motor workers and Group D employees, has been facing trouble in casting the votes through postal ballot. Deferred schedule and frequent rescheduling of distribution is causing confusion in 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 the police personnel would be the ''main victims'' because they have to report for election-related duties on time.

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

Mr Das pointed out that only one day was left for the completion of the postal ballot-related work and demanded to dispatch the remaining postal ballots through registered post prior to the counting slated on March 7.

UNI XC DPM HS BST2043