ITANAGAR: In response to reports of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) damage and incidents of violence during the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls on April 19, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered repolling in eight polling stations across Arunachal Pradesh.
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu, in a communique announced that fresh polling to take place on April 24, from 6 am to 2 pm.
The affected polling stations include Sario in the Bameng assembly constituency (East Kameng district), Longte Loth under Nyapin assembly seat (Kurung Kumey district), as well as Dingser, Bogiya Siyum, Jimbari, and Lengi polling booths under Nacho constituency (Upper Subansiri district).
Additionally, repolling has been ordered for Bogne and Molom polling booths under the Rumgong assembly constituency (Siang district).
During the initial polling on April 19, an estimated 76.44% of the total 8,92,694 voters exercised their franchise to elect 50 MLAs for the 60-member assembly in the state.
However, incidents of violence and disruptions marred the process in several areas.
According to reports, clashes between supporters of two candidates erupted near a polling station in Bameng constituency (East Kameng district), leading to the suspension of polling in the area.
Similarly, polling in the Nacho Assembly constituency (Upper Subansiri district) and in Kurung Kumey district was suspended after miscreants attempted to snatch EVMs in three polling stations.
In response to escalating tensions, additional security forces were deployed after an incident of stone pelting between workers of two political parties was reported at Niausa village in Longding district.
While initial reports suggested gunfire, election officials later refuted these claims.
Notably, the ruling BJP had already secured victory in 10 assembly seats uncontested.
