Dimapur, April 13 (MExN): The National People’s Party (NPP) has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to order a re-poll in two polling stations in Nagaland’s 28 Koridang Assembly constituency, alleging serious irregularities and suppression of voter turnout, even as police rejected the claims, stating that polling was conducted peacefully.
In an urgent reminder to the Chief Election Commissioner, the party referred to its earlier complaint dated April 9, 2026, and expressed concern over the lack of response despite submission of documentary and video evidence.
The NPP said the most severe impact was confined to Alichen Polling Station II and IV, where turnout figures were “grossly abnormal”. Polling Station II recorded 114 votes out of 745 electors, translating to around 15 per cent turnout, while Polling Station IV saw 147 votes cast out of 641 electors, about 23 per cent.
“These figures are statistically indefensible, even when compared within the same cluster,” the party said.
The party alleged that the two polling stations were affected by a mid-day halt in voting due to Aadhaar and voter ID verification, direct interference by an ECI observer and district administration, and an “intimidatory security environment” due to the presence of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel.
It further claimed that there was a failure to extend polling time or restore voter confidence, leading to a “complete breakdown” of the polling process in the two booths.
Citing Article 324 of the Constitution and provisions under Sections 58 and 58A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the NPP said the Commission is empowered to order a re-poll in cases where polling is vitiated due to obstruction, interference or intimidation.
The party urged the Commission to declare polling in the two stations as vitiated and conduct a re-poll limited to those booths. It also sought deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure a free and fair process.
Further, the NPP demanded a time-bound inquiry into the conduct of the ECI observer, the role of the district administration, and the deployment and actions of IRB personnel. It also called for preservation of videography, presiding officer diaries and poll records.
The party warned that in the absence of action within 48 hours, it would initiate legal proceedings before the High Court under Article 226, seeking directions for a re-poll and judicial scrutiny of the alleged administrative interference.
Stating that turnout levels of 15–23 per cent due to alleged interference cannot reflect the will of the people, the party said a targeted re-poll in the affected stations would restore electoral fairness with minimal disruption.
Mokokchung SP deny voter suppression
Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Police (SP), Mokokchung, has denied the allegations, stating that polling in Alichen under the same constituency was conducted smoothly and peacefully.
In a report submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, the SP said India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and State Armed Police Force (SAPF) personnel were deployed in accordance with ECI directions, particularly in polling stations where CAPF could not be deployed due to shortage.
As per the deployment plan, eight IRB personnel, including two women personnel and one police guide, were stationed in each of the four polling stations in Alichen. Additionally, an anti-riot team comprising 20 personnel was deployed in the area to manage any unruly crowd or anti-social elements.
The report added that similar deployment was made in other polling stations within the constituency where CAPF was unavailable, while anti-riot teams were stationed at Chungtia, Khensa and Longkhum villages to prevent entry of unauthorised voters and maintain law and order.
Highlighting the sensitive nature of the area, the SP noted that Alichen has a history of electoral violence. During the 2023 Assembly elections, 33 persons were arrested and four criminal cases registered involving serious offences such as possession of arms and ammunition, crude bombs, intimidation, destruction of property and assault.
In view of this, all polling stations in Alichen were declared “vulnerable” and “critical”, necessitating enhanced security arrangements.
The SP said the deployment plan was examined and approved by the police observer prior to implementation and was carried out strictly in line with ECI guidelines to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling.
“It is further submitted that polling in all Alichen polling stations was conducted smoothly and peacefully without any incident or clash. No force of any kind was used by the IRB personnel against any voter,” the report stated.
Police said no complaints regarding obstruction or suppression of voters were reported from any polling station and termed the allegations made by the NPP as “baseless and unjustified”.
Stating that adequate and lawful security arrangements were in place, the SP said there was no question of conducting a re-poll in Alichen as the polling process remained peaceful throughout.
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