Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj Informs About Deployment of Two Ballot Units in Some Constituencies for High Number of Candidates

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Telangana Gears Up for Single Phase Voting with High Number of Candidates

Telangana is all set to go to polls in a single phase voting on November 30. With a total of 2,290 candidates contesting across 119 constituencies, the state is witnessing a significant number of participants in this election. In some constituencies, the Election Commission has had to deploy two ballot units due to the high number of candidates, according to Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj.

Speaking about the preparations for the polls, Raj mentioned that ballot papers have already been printed and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are ready for deployment. He highlighted that several constituencies had more than 15 candidates, which prompted the need to employ multiple ballot units. Raj further revealed that there is even a constituency with a staggering 47-48 candidates, requiring the deployment of four ballot units. To accommodate this, the Election Commission has granted a special sanction and sent an additional 14,000 ballot units to Telangana.

Regarding the technical aspects, Raj informed that the first level checking of the ballot units is complete. The EVMs are currently being set up with the ballot units. Furthermore, the training for the presiding officers and polling officers has been successfully conducted. Teams have also been formed after the necessary randomization, as per the orders of the election commission. A doubt clearing session will be organized for them, followed by the provision to vote at the facilitation center. Finally, they will be deployed to the voting centers on November 29.

In terms of security arrangements, Raj assured that central forces will be sent to polling stations identified as “critical.” Counting centers are also being prepared with elaborate arrangements. EVMs are being transported with utmost security, and within the strong rooms, they are guarded by three layers of security. On the day of counting, CCTVs will be installed, and every round of vote counting will be thoroughly verified. Furthermore, a total of 777 cases have been registered for violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

The main contestants in the November 30 assembly polls in Telangana are the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Congress, and BJP. The counting of votes, along with four other poll-bound states, is scheduled to take place on December 3.

With inputs from various agencies, Telangana is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth and fair election process. The deployment of additional ballot units and enhanced security measures reflect the commitment of the Election Commission in facilitating a transparent voting procedure. The outcome of this highly contested election will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of Telangana..