The polling of by-elections in seven Assembly constituencies was completed peacefully except technical snags in EVMs at some places.
Informing this to media in his chamber in the Secretariat this evening, Chief Electoral Officer Banwarlal said that by and large, the polling was completed without any hurdle and the voters exercised their franchise. The percentage of polling was heavy. The voters, who were in queues till 5 pm at polling booths were provided an opportunity to cast their votes.
The CEO sought report from the officials concerned on the complaints received on distribution of money to the voters in some areas. The incidents of persons going to the polling stations wearing clothes, badges reflecting their party would become an offence and violation of code of conduct. Orders have been issued for filing of a case against MP Rajaiah and he would be arrested if necessary. The Collector of Warangal district has been directed to send a report to him on the matter, the CEO said.
Stating that counting of votes would be taken up on March 21, the Chief Electoral Officer said that the EVMs would be kept in strong rooms and heavy protection would be made to them. Adequate security would be provided to the strong rooms with Central paramilitary forces. The agents of the candidates would be allowed to visit the strong rooms not to give scope for any misconceptions, he added. If they wish, the candidates may deploy their agents at strong rooms.
By 2 pm, the polling percentage in the seven Assembly segments was: Mahbubnagar (53%), Nagarkurnool (52%), Kollapur (41%), Kamareddy (53%), Adilabad (44%), Station Ghanpur (45%) and Kovvur (49%).
By 5 pm, the recorded polling percentage was: Mahbubnagar (75%), Nagarkurnool (65%), Kollapur (61%), Kamareddy (68%), Adilabad (61%), Station Ghanpur (45%) and Kovvur (80%). (NSS)