Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Nishikant Dubey Highlights Polling Irregularities in Madhupur Assembly Constituency

Deoghar, November 20, 2024: In a significant development during the final phase of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024, a polling officer at Booth No. 111 in Madhupur was arrested for allegedly facilitating votes in favor of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). The arrest came after irregularities were detected through webcasting monitoring, raising serious questions about the integrity of the polling process.

According to officials, the presiding officer was found near the voting compartment, violating the Election Commission’s protocols. His actions were flagged as a breach of duty and electoral guidelines. Following the incident, the District Commissioner (DC) of Deoghar, Vishal Sagar, ordered his immediate replacement and directed the authorities to initiate a thorough investigation.

Nishikant Dubey Highlights Irregularities in Jharkhand Elections

चुनाव आयोग @ECISVEEP मधुपुर विधानसभा के बूथ नंबर 111 के मतदान पदाधिकारी को झामुमो के पक्ष में मतदान कराने के कारण गिरफ़्तार कर लिया गया है

— Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) November 20, 2024

The arrest gained wider attention when Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP from Godda, took to Twitter to share details of the incident. In his tweet, Nishikant Dubey accused the officer of acting in favor of the JMM, terming it a blatant attempt to manipulate the voting process. His statement underscored the BJP’s concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process in Madhupur and other regions of Jharkhand.

Nishikant Dubey’s tweet has sparked heated political discussions, with many questioning the neutrality of officials tasked with ensuring free and fair elections. The incident has also fueled debates about the overall transparency of the ongoing elections.

Election Commission Takes Swift Action in Madhupur

The Election Commission of India (ECI) responded promptly to the allegations, replacing the arrested officer and deploying additional personnel to maintain order at the polling station. Officials have emphasized their commitment to conducting impartial elections and assured voters that strict measures are in place to address any deviations.

The DC’s office confirmed that the officer’s actions were discovered during real-time monitoring of the polling process via webcasting. The Election Commission has directed the electoral officer to ensure a detailed investigation and take action under the relevant legal framework.

Implications of Voting Irregularities on Jharkhand Assembly Elections

The incident at Booth No. 111 comes at a crucial juncture in the Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024, with voting underway for 38 constituencies in the second phase. A total of 528 candidates, including 55 women, are contesting in this phase. Voter turnout has been steady since the morning, reflecting strong public participation despite the controversies.

However, allegations of misconduct like this could potentially erode public trust in the electoral process. As political parties engage in a heated battle for control of the state, such incidents highlight the importance of vigilant monitoring and unbiased execution of electoral duties.

This development not only underscores the need for accountability but also places the spotlight on the Election Commission’s ability to ensure transparent governance during one of the most significant democratic exercises in the state.