The National People’s Party (NPP) has submitted a complaint to the Election Commission of India seeking a re-poll in Alichen polling stations under the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency, alleging deliberate suppression of voter turnout due to misuse of state machinery.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, NPP National Secretary Saidul Khan claimed that polling in Alichen recorded an “extraordinary collapse” in turnout, with only 1,323 votes cast out of 3,310 electors – around 39.9 percent – leaving nearly 60 percent of voters unable to exercise their franchise.
The party contrasted this with turnout figures in other parts of the constituency, stating that Mangmetong recorded around 97–99 percent turnout, Longkhum 90–95 percent, Chungtia 80–90 percent, and Khensa between 73–91 percent. It further claimed that Alichen alone accounted for nearly half of the total uncast votes in the constituency, calling it a “highly localised and disproportionate” pattern.
The complaint also cited specific polling stations where turnout was particularly low, including one booth with around 15 percent turnout and another with about 23 percent, which it said indicated that voters may have been “prevented, intimidated, or discouraged” from voting.
Alleging “direct administrative interference,” the NPP claimed that polling in Alichen was halted for nearly an hour during the day following actions by the Election Commission observer and the district administration, including Aadhaar and voter ID verification, which it said disrupted voter flow during a critical period.
The party further alleged that the presence of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel created an atmosphere of fear and that no remedial steps – such as extending polling hours were taken to mitigate the impact of the disruption.
Terming the developments a “misuse of state machinery,” the NPP claimed that the suppression was localised to Alichen and may have materially affected the outcome of the election, given the large number of uncast votes.
Citing Article 324 of the Constitution and provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the party urged the Election Commission to declare polling in Alichen as vitiated and order a re-poll in all affected polling stations. It also sought deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and an inquiry into the role of security personnel, election observers, and the district administration.
The NPP said it has submitted video evidence in support of its claims.
There was no immediate response from election authorities at the time of filing this report.