JMM Requests Removal of Chief Electoral Officer and Two IPS Officers Ahead of Jharkhand Elections

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has approached the Election Commission, seeking the removal of Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar and two senior IPS officers. The party claims these officials are biased towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Elections for the 81-member Jharkhand assembly are set for November 13 and 20.

Recently, Giridih police stopped a vehicle carrying Mandal Murmu and others. The passengers did not disclose their destination, leading to their detention. Mandal Murmu is a proposer for Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is contesting from the Barhait assembly constituency, according to JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya.

Allegations of Misconduct

Bhattacharya accused CEO K Ravi Kumar and two senior IPS officers of misusing their positions to pressure the Giridih administration into releasing the detained vehicle. He argued this act violated the model code of conduct and called for an investigation by the Election Commission. Bhattacharya also requested that CEO Kumar and IPS officers Sanjay Anand Lathkar and AV Homkar be relieved of their electoral duties to ensure fairness in the election process.

The JMM believes that Hemant Soren, as their star campaigner, is being targeted through his proposer to negatively influence election results. "It is a gross violation of the model code of conduct," Bhattacharya alleged. Meanwhile, CEO K Ravi Kumar mentioned that a press conference would be held on Monday to address these issues.

Opposition's Response

The BJP has also written to the Election Commissioner, demanding action against Bhattacharya for making serious allegations against senior officials without evidence. The BJP insists that JMM should disclose details about those accompanying Murmu in the vehicle. "BJP demands strict action against Bhattacharya for levelling such serious allegations against senior officials without any proof," stated a BJP release.

The unfolding events highlight tensions between political parties as they prepare for the upcoming elections. Both sides are making serious accusations, raising concerns about potential impacts on the electoral process's integrity.