An aspiring political candidate from Manipur’s Phungyar Assembly constituency, Wungnaoshang Kasar, has formally petitioned the Chief Election Commissioner of India seeking an immediate freeze on all ongoing government recruitment processes in the state ahead of the 13th Legislative Assembly elections. In his submission, Kasar alleged that the BJP-led state government has artificially accelerated recruitment drives for thousands of long-vacant positions across vital departments, including Education, Police, Health, Public Works Department, Rural Development, and the Secretariat. The petition claims that files for long-pending vacancies are being processed at an unusually rapid pace just months prior to the polls, alleging that this sudden administrative push is politically motivated to unduly influence voters and gain an unearned advantage. Highlighting severe allegations of systemic corruption, the complaint asserts that middlemen allegedly linked to ministers and MLAs are actively demanding money from job aspirants, citing cash-for-jobs rates ranging between Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh for Sub-Inspector posts, Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh for clerical positions, and Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for Grade-IV jobs. The petition also alleges widespread procedural irregularities, including question paper leaks and deliberate manipulation of interview marks. Kasar characterized these practices as violations of Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, framing them as electoral bribery and undue influence. Beyond requesting an instant halt to fresh recruitments, the complainant urged the Election Commission to order an independent investigation into all Manipur government hiring drives conducted since June 2026, issue binding directions to the Chief Secretary, and set up an anonymous helpline for affected job seekers. This formal petition follows an earlier representation submitted by Kasar to the Chief Minister and the Governor, where he voiced deep concern over delayed recruitment examination results and the growing frustration among unemployed youth. He questioned the propriety of launching fresh recruitment drives while past examination results remain unannounced, arguing that such actions erode public trust in governance. Urging the Governor to seek a detailed status report on recruitment transparency, Kasar’s petition brings government hiring practices in Manipur under direct regulatory scrutiny, though the allegations remain claims under review.
Petition to CEC Calls for Probe into Accelerated Manipur Government Appointments
