GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
                                     DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIONS & PRINTING
                                                                        // NAHARLAGUN //

NO.IPR(PR)-86/2002                                                        Dated Naharlagun, the 16th April 2004


                                                                         PRESS RELEASE

Press Release     : SEVEN CANDIDATES ARE IN THE FRAY FOR ARUNACHAL WEST 
                            PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AFTER SCRUTINY


        Altogether seven candidates are fitted against each other in the Battle of Ballot for 1-Arunachal West Parliamentary Constituency after completion of scrutiny works by the Returning Officer, Shri Santosh D Vaidya in presence of three election observers, contesting candidates with election agent legal adviser and proposers. Out of nineteen nomination papers received by the RO, eighteen papers were found valid and nomination paper filed by an independent candidate has been rejected on substantial errors. The candidates in the fray are Sh Tujo Bagra ( Independent), Sh Khiren Rijiju (BJP), Sh Kido Ingo(Samata Party), Sh Kardu Taipodia (Samajwadi Party), Sh Kamen Ringu ( Arunachal Congress), Sh Tadar Taniang ( All India Trinomool Congress) and Sh Jodik Tali ( Independent ).

    Before formally beginning the scrutiny, the Returning Officer Sh Vaidya said that scrutiny is not the battle ground as liberal approach ignoring minor error and lapses has been adopted, while doing the scrutiny and the validity has been checked in terms of relevant election laws. He said that major emphasis have been given on fair and peaceful conduct of election and urged all political parties not to give baseless allegation against each other. He has sought the district wise list of election agents latest by 29th of April next. The proposal by the RO to appoint polling agents from the polling stations areas were accepted by all the candidates and undertakings to this effect was given to RO by all candidates in order to avoid issue of postal ballot papers. To avoid impersonation it has been decided not to bring marked copy of  E-roll out of the polling station before 5 PM on the day of poll. The elaborate programme of the election observers will be circulated and election symbol will be issued to all candidates on 19th April at 3 PM. To avoid communication gap, the RO has also instructed all candidates to appoint two person from Along to receive all important documents / messages from RO's office. He has also instructed all candidates to furnish list of vehicles with all necessary specifications so that permission can be given to ply on election purposes without obstruction. He has also directed all candidates to appoint four person for sealing and commissioning of EVM which will start from 23rd to 27th of April next. He appealed all candidates to refrain from hatred campaign and obtain permission for meeting, procession, use of loud speakers etc from respective DEOs. He said that election campaign will virtually be stopped on 3rd May at 7AM. The RO in principle agreed to notify Election Expenditure Officer at Along, Itanagar and Bomdila for the sake convenience on request made by some candidates.

    Sh Ajay Bhattacharya, general election observer insisted on observing model code of conduct and use of govt. vehicles for campaigning as violation of election laws. Sh Arun Goel, speaking on the occasion said that conduct of election is not a responsibility of state government only but by all political parties. Any violation may be proved detrimental for the candidate in future. The Election Expenditure Observer, Sh K K Saha, insisted on submitting election expenditure on 23rd, 29th and 03rd May to notified expenditure officers and finally produce detailed expenditure register on 16th May next. All expenditure even incurred by family, friends, relatives of the candidates and vehicles with the party flag will come under the overall expenditures of the candidate, he said. The DIGP(West) thanked all political parties for peaceful beginning of election process without breach of peace as anticipated otherwise.

    Earlier, Sh Repo Ronya, ADC Along welcome everyone and highlighted few important tips on relevant election rules.