Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwarlal on Tuesday dismissed reports that YSR Congress Party nominee Dharmana Krishnadas of Narsannapeta Assembly Constituency in Srikakulam district has exercised his franchise before the start of polling at 8 am.
Talking to media persons, Bhanwarlal said that there was no truth in the media reports and he had contacted the District Collector and taken a report from him in this regard.
According to the report, Dharmana Krishnadas exercised his franchise at 8 am after the beginning of polling exercise only.
He said that the Commission would initiate severe action against those officials in the booth if the voting starts before the schedule of 8 am.
According to reports Krishnadas consulted astrologers seeking their suggestion on auspicious time of voting. As per the astrologers suggestion, he has to cast his vote before the polling schedule of 8am. Following request from Krishnadas the poll authorities have permitted him to vote before the schedule. This has raised controversy in the media.
The Chief Electoral Officer claimed that the polling was going on peacefully in all 18 Assembly segments and Nellore Lok Sabha constituency.(INN)