Cong attacks ousted Faridabad DC

Even as the Congress on Tuesday attacked ousted Faridabad deputy commissioner Atul Kumar for appointing Amit Atri, a private university employee, as the presiding officer at Asaoti polling station in violation of the Representation of People Act, facts run contrary to the charge.

Atri was placed under suspension by the Election Commission for dereliction of duty following complaints of electoral malpractice at the polling station.

The EC had also shifted DC Atul Kumar for his failure to take immediate action on the incident.

Congress legislator Karan Dalal on Tuesday fired a fresh salvo accusing Atul Kumar of playing into the hands of the ruling BJP by appointing Atri as presiding officerm despite the latter being an employee of a private university, Manav Rachna University.

However, facts do not support Dalal’s allegations.

Section 159 of the Representation of People Act says that every university established or incorporated by or under a central, provincial or state Act would make available such staff as may be necessary for the performance of any duties in connection with an election when so requested by the chief electoral officer.

“Thus, the university staff could be requisitioned and put on election duty, in addition to employees of central and state governments,’’ said the EC handbook on returning officers.

The Election Commission had on Monday ordered a re-poll at Asaoti polling station following complaints electoral malprcatice.