In Mezhuveli, Pathanamthitta, there is an allegation of fraudulent voting in Annamma’s name, who died six years ago. The CPM-led LDF (Left Democratic Front) complained that the fake vote was done with the knowledge of the Booth-Level Officer (BLO)and the Congress Mezhuveli panchayat member.
The Election Commission appoints Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for each polling station to ensure the precision of the electoral rolls.
Annamma’s (who died six years ago, aged 94 per voter ID) serial number on the voter list was 874. Without removing her name from the list, 65-year-old Annamma, the wife of Annamma’s son (with serial number 876), voted for the deceased. Allegedly, the application for voting was given in the name of the dead person. Whether she (the Annamma who is alive) cast her vote, too, remains unknown.
The LDF filed a complaint with the Election Commission, claiming false voting took place, which was known to the Congress member of Mezhuveli panchayat, and demanding action. The Election Commission recorded the complainants’ statements.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the Election Commission should take action regarding the incident. The commission believes that there has been a serious failure, including by officials. (Meanwhile, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) leader was observed recording the vote of a 92-year-old woman in Kalliaseri Panchayat of Kannur, Kerala.)
In the Mezhuveli voting manipulation, BLO Ambili was arrested by Elavumthitta police for false voting and released on station bail. Ambili also confirmed that fraudulent voting took place.
Three people, including the polling officer, had been suspended earlier in the incident. Apart from the BLO, disciplinary action against election officials who went for the votes-at-home scheme is possible.
Following the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) report, Congress panchayat member Subhanandan was also implicated in the case. News reports suggest that police informed them he would be arrested soon.
In Pathanamthitta, former Minister of Defence and Congress leader AK Antony’s son, Anil K Anthony, is contesting on a BJP ticket. He faces sitting Congress MP Anto Antony and former Kerala Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac.
