Nizamabad LS Constituency : BJP contestant casts doubts on polling figures

Hyderabad: Polling for 17 Lok Sabha Constituencies in Telangana concluded four days ago, but there seems to be no end to doubts of opposition parties over upward revision of final polling figures and security of EVMs stored in strongrooms across the State. D Arvind, son of senior politician D Srinivas and BJP contestant from Nizamabad, also raised his voice on these issues on Monday.

In fact, the BJP leader called on Telangana CEO (Chief Electoral Officer) Rajat Kumar at the latter's office in Hyderabad on Monday afternoon.

He said there was huge variation in actual voter turnout and polling percentage figures given by the Commission.

Arvind sought clarification from the CEO on this. It may be mentioned here that as per final polling figures released by the commission on April 12 evening (a day after the polling held on April 11), Nizamabad registered 68 per cent polling.

An increase of 14 per cent polling was recorded when compared to the previous day figure of 54 per cent given on April 11 evening.

Arvind sought CEO permission to inspect relevant papers relating to elections as per Rule 93 (2) (a) of conduct of Election Rules, 1961. He was requested to facilitate inspection and also furnish certified copies of such information if sought after completion of the inspection.

Arvind wanted to check Form 17A, Form 17C, each Presiding Officer's Diary, details of polling conducted in each polling station, time at which EVMs and VVPATs reached strongroom from distribution center etc. The BJP leader submitted an RTI plea to get these details.

On the other hand, the BJP contestant gave a letter to Nizamabad RO (Returning Officer) asking his consent to put his own lock on strongroom in which EVMs and VVPATs are kept.

Later speaking to media, Arvind said he requested CEO to do counting once again in machines that encounter issues on the counting day.

The BJP leader stated that CEO assured him that authorities would furnish information mentioned in RTI plea as per rules.