Postal votes need to be counted first in Bihar by-polls, says RJD MP Manoj

Giving the reference of 'The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961' RJD MP Manoj has written a letter to the Election Commission and has demanded the counting of votes through postal ballots before the votes through EVMs for the Bihar by-polls result.

Patna:Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj has dashed off a letter to the Election Commission seeking counting of votes through postal ballots before the votes through EVMs for the Bihar by-polls result. The election for Tarapur and Kusheshwar Asthan assembly constituencies is scheduled to be held on Oct. 30 and the result will be declared on Nov. 2.

Manoj gave a reference to the 'Conduct of Election Rule' 1961' and said that the Returning Officers at both the constituencies should be instructed to count the votes from postal ballots first.

Votes through postal ballots in Bihar by-polls should be calculated first says RJD MP Manoj

He said, "it is mentioned in the Section 54A in The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 that the returning officer shall first deal with the postal ballot papers in the manner hereinafter provided. I have requested the EC to instruct the officers as mentioned in the Election Rule. The postal vote should be counted in the same room along with other votes. The postal ballot should not be counted in a separate room,"

"We lost many seats in the Bihar assembly elections last year. Who defeated us whether the administration or the others everyone knows the fact. Because of that, we have put up this demand with the Election Commission. I sincerely hope that the Election Commission will accept our demand," the MP said.

The RJD had on Oct. 3 announced its candidates for by-elections to Tarapur and Kusheshwar Asthan assembly segments of Bihar by severing alliance with the Congress.

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