Poll staff held for fraud

It is quite common for a political party follower or a voter to get involved in poll malpractices. But have you ever heard of officials on poll duty engaging in malpractices?

Ironically, three officers on poll duty were suspended from duty at Mavallipura under Yelahanka constituency after they were allegedly caught for malpractices on Sunday. According to sources, the Mavallipura booth has a total of 900 plus votes including over 100 physically challenged voters. After learning about the large number of votes of the physically challenged, the officials are alleged to have approached a political party to strike a deal.

According to sources, the trio demanding Rs 3 lakh and in return, promised them the votes of the physically challenged. But, their luck ran out when they were caught in a sting operation by a private TV channel at Mavallipura.

They were suspended and replaced by other officials following the sting operation. They were replaced to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. The suspended officials were identified as Suresh, Girish and Srinivas Raj.

 

B. Srinivas, resident of Mavallipura and member, Shivakote panchayat alleged that the suspended officials were involved in malpractices by manipulating the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and meddling with the votes polled.

“For instance, the officials had technically manipulated the machine. It is alleged that Mavallipura is the bastion of Congress. To ensure that the Congress does not get the votes, the officials might have tried to technically ‘manage’ the EVMs. Following  opposition from voters, the machine was replaced by  officers,” said Srinivas.

‘Other Sex’ gets the voting right, rejoices

Yana Nayak, Keethi, Savitha and Malathi who are in their late thirties were happy after voting for the first time at the Sasarahalli polling booth under Byatarayanapura constituency.

These transgenders were brimming with joy after voting for the first time in their life time. Over 60 persons have registered for voting this time and have got a chance to vote also.
 

“We all have voted. It’s a different feeling. We feel that we are also responsible citizens who can have a say in choosing our leaders,” said Nayak.

Nayak who has got a EPIC under the female category said that the election commission has done a good thing by introducing ‘other’ category in the EPIC card. Some of the transgenders have gone a step ahead and have contested elections too. This time, Sowmya, a resident of Dasarahalli has contested in Gandhi nagar assembly polls and the community supports her, she said.

“Transgenders with education created awareness among them to utilize the perks and benefits extended by the government. We have achieved the first step. We hope to get ration card and other such facilities, said Keerthi.

Source :  Deccan Chronicle , 6th May 2013