EC orders repoll in 2 more polling stations in Chandragiri

The Election Commission of India Saturday ordered a repoll on May 19 in two more polling stations in Chandragiri Assembly constituency under Chittoor Lok Sabha segment in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total number of polling stations to seven. On Wednesday, the ECI ordered repoll on May 19 in five polling stations, based on a petition filed by YSR Congress candidate Chevireddy Bhaskara Reddy, who alleged that a certain section of voters was not allowed to exercise their franchise.

The Telugu Desam Party on Friday petitioned the EC for a repoll in two polling stations in the same constituency, alleging irregularities. In fact, the TDP sought repolling in 16 more polling stations related to various other constituencies but the ECI apparently did not consider that.

Based on the recommendation of the state Chief Electoral Officer, the ECI issued an order Saturday for the repoll to be conducted on Sunday in two polling stations pertaining to both Chandragiri Assembly and Chittoor Lok Sabha segments. Meanwhile, the TDP filed a petition in the High Court challenging the ECIs decision to conduct repoll in five polling stations based on YSR Congress' complaint.

"We have filed a counter in the High Court to the TDPs petition and also submitted footage of closed-circuit television cameras in the seven polling stations. The decision to conduct repoll was taken based on clear evidence of irregularities recorded in the CCTV cameras," CEO Gopal Krishna Dwivedi pointed out.

He said strict action was being initiated against the respective presiding officers and assistant presiding officers of the polling stations where the irregularities were detected. These polling officials reportedly submitted reports after the polling on April 11 that everything went on well.

"The CCTV footage was shocking. Some private persons entered into the polling booths and rigging was evident. But the facts came out late," the CEO told reporters here.

He said a thorough investigation was being conducted into the failure of the polling officials concerned and also the lapses in policing. "The presiding officer concerned is solely responsible for whatever happens inside the polling station. We are filing criminal cases over the presence of private persons in the polling stations. We will take stringent action against the erring officials," the CEO asserted.

Meanwhile, the YSR Congress sought action against Chittoor district collector P S Pradyumna for "blatantly supporting the TDP" during the election process. YSRC MPs V Vijayasai Reddy, Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy and others petitioned the ECI in this regard. They wanted the ECI to restrain the Chittoor Collector from carrying out duties on counting day.

They also wanted similar action against the Raptadu Assembly constituency returning officer in Anantapuramu district.