February 17, 2018
A delegation comprising of CPI(M) Polit Bureau members S. Ramachandran Pillai and Brinda Karat met the Chief Election Commissioner Shri. O. P. Rawat today for expressing concerns over the appointment of special observer in Tripura. The delegation submitted the following memorandum to the CEC:
“This is to draw your attention to the appointment of Shri R. K. Panchananda, Director General of ITBP as Special Observer for the Assembly elections in Tripura schedule on February 18, 2018. This seems an unusual step.
The Tripura local TV channels flashed breaking news regarding his closed door meeting with state BJP President in the chamber of Chief Electoral Officer, Tripura which has created confusion among the people.
May we request you to intervene and make clear the matter to the people of Tripura.”
In response, the Chief Election Commissioner assured the delegation that written information will be given to all political parties about the appointment of special observer and his scope of work as decided by the Central Election Commission. He also said that he will ask for a written report on the circumstances in which the special observer met the BJP President of Tripura state.