Independents can chose from 194 symbols: CEO Dr Rajat Kumar

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rajat Kumar has stated that they would hold postal ballot election in the constituencies which have more than 64 candidates in the fray. He said that post scrutiny of nominations Nizamabad might be left with more than 200 candidates.

Talking to media on Tuesday, he said that there would be no dearth of symbols to independents as 194 symbols are there for selection.

Also, there are 94 more symbols of unregistered parties that can also be allotted to independents, he said, adding that symbols of ten registered parties in the State would not be allotted to anyone irrespective of them contesting in the election or not.

He said that the number of critical polling stations for Lok Sabha polls is 6,440, which is less than the number of critical polling stations for Assembly elections (10,480).

Stating that 25,000 central police force and security personnel from other States would be pressed into service in Telangana, Rajat Kumar exuded confidence of a free and fair election on April 11.

He said that their request to use retired army staff in polling duties got a positive response from the Election Commission.

He said Rs 15. 51 crore of cash, liquor, contraband, gold ornaments were seized by authorities thus far.