BJP alleges misuse of power by Congress in Arunachal

Itanagar, May 12 (UNI) The BJP today alleged misuse of official power and machinery by the Dorjee Khandu-led Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh before the May 26 Panchayat polls.

Briefing mediapersons here, BJP state president Dr Tangor Tapak alleged that in many parts of the state the candidature of party nominees was rejected by returning officers due to pressure and interference from the 'people in power'.

''We have lodged complaints with the state election commission (SEC) seeking justice and would seek legal help if required,'' he disclosed.

Dr Tapak said the candidature of a zila parishad member (ZPM) was rejected at Chaglagam under Anjaw district on the ground that the candidate being gaon burah comes under the office of profit issue.

''We are shocked at the reason for rejecting his candidature when the state assembly during 2006 amended the rules on office of profit under which the gaon burah institution is not applicable,'' he pointed out.

He added that the party had requested the SEC to keep in abeyance the polling in Chaglagam till the mater was resolved.

Of the 161 ZPM seats, the party had fielded candidates in 35, while the number of anchal samiti members (ASM) is above 148 out of total 1,779 and out of 7,425 seats of gram panchayat (GP) the party had nominated over 600 candidates. However, in certain districts the BJP was supporting Independents as well as other non-Congress party's nominees.

''So far 14 ASM and 87 GP got elected unopposed,'' Dr Tapak said, adding results from several districts were yet to be received.

''The BJP keeps its option open for all like-minded parties to come for a united fight against the Congress's culture of money, muscle and material power which is posing serious threat to the state,'' he added.

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