Guwahati, Apr 9 (PTI) The Assam unit of the Congress on Thursday said it has filed a police complaint against its Udalguri candidate Suren Daimari, who announced his resignation from the party and “surrendered” his candidature a day before polling.
In a statement, the opposition party said the police complaint was filed, accusing him of “cheating” and “criminal breach of trust”.
According to the complaint, Daimari, after accepting the party nomination and filing his papers as per Election Commission guidelines, was actively campaigning under the party symbol.
“However, just a day before polling, he, allegedly provoked by a mischievous circle, spread misinformation against the Congress and announced his resignation from the party,” the statement said.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) stated that in addition to granting him the candidacy, the party had transferred Rs 30 lakh to Daimari’s bank account for party work and election campaigning.
“By resigning just hours before voting, Suren Daimari has not only violated party discipline and tarnished the image of the Indian National Congress, but also misappropriated party funds,” it alleged.
On Wednesday, Daimari announced that he has quit the party and “surrendered” his candidature. The Congress, however, said that he did not submit his resignation letter to the party.
“There is no benefit of being in the Congress. It has betrayed me,” he said.
Daimari claimed that after nominating him from the Udalguri seat, the Congress offered no support in campaigning.
“I called up the party leadership repeatedly, but they did not even receive my call. I am hurt because they did not help me at all. The district Congress committee did not help me,” he added.
In the situation arising from Daimari’s announcement, a senior poll panel official clarified that the deadline for withdrawing nominations had long passed and candidates’ names had already been loaded onto the EVMs.
“In fact, the polling parties have left for their polling stations. So, there is no question of withdrawing one’s name now from the contest,” he added.
Apart from Daimari, BJP ally BPF’s Rihon Daimari, UPPL’s Dipen Boro and Voters Party International’s Unike Basumatary are contesting in the seat.
An estimated 85.47 per cent voter turnout was recorded as polling ended at 5 pm on Thursday in all 126 assembly constituencies of Assam. It is expected to rise further following the final compilation.
In Udalguri constituency, an estimated 80.68 per cent turnout was reported. PTI TR TR ACD
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