NPP puts ECI on 48-hr notice over re-poll demand

National People’s Party (NPP) national secretary Saidul Khan has submitted an urgent reminder to the Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding re-poll in two polling stations at Alichen under 28-Koridang assembly constituency, alleging serious irregularities and suppression of voter turnout.
Stating that continued non-response amounted to failure to exercise constitutional responsibility, the NPP warned that it would be constrained to approach the court if no action was taken within 48 hours.
In a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner, Khan referred to his earlier complaint dated April 9, 2026, and expressed concern over the lack of response from the Commission despite submission of documentary and video evidence. According to NPP, the most severe impact, during the by-election held on April 9, was confined to Alichen Polling Station II and IV.
It stated that PS II recorded 114 votes out of 745 electors (around 15% turnout), while PS IV recorded 147 votes out of 641 electors (around 23% turnout), describing the figures as “grossly abnormal and statistically indefensible.” The party alleged that the affected polling stations witnessed a mid-day halt in voting due to what it termed “unnecessary Aadhaar/Voter ID verification”, along with direct interference by the ECI observer and district administration.
It also claimed that an “intimidatory environment” due to the presence of IRB personnel and failure to extend polling hours contributed to a breakdown of the voting process. Citing provisions under Article 324 of the Constitution and Sections 58 and 58A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the NPP maintained that the ECI was empowered to order a re-poll in cases where polling had been vitiated.
It asserted that selective re-poll could be conducted in specific polling stations where irregularities were localised.
The party urged the Commission to declare polling in the two stations as vitiated and order immediate re-poll, besides deploying Central Armed Police Forces to ensure free and fair conduct. It also sought a time-bound inquiry into the conduct of the ECI observer, role of the district administration, and actions of IRB personnel, along with preservation of relevant records.
The party further asserted that polling with turnout as low as 15%–23% due to alleged interference could not reflect the will of the people, and maintained that a targeted re-poll would help restore electoral fairness.