Poll peaceful in Bahraich, but some POs defy EC directive

Barring minor scuffles and technical snags in a few EVMs, polling was by and large peaceful in all six assembly constituencies, Nanpara, Matera, Mahasi, Bahraich, Payagpur and Kaiserganj here on Monday. Out of the total 24,18376 voters, about 61% exercised their franchise to decide the fate of 69 candidates.

There was enthusiasm among the voters since morning and more than 50% votes were cast till 3 PM. Owing to technical problems in a few EVMs, polling was delayed at Shakhiyapura, Mahila PG College and some other polling centres. At several centres, voters argued with the poll staff when the presiding officers refused to allow people to cast votes on the basis of the voter slip issued by the Election Commission Of India. Despite clear ECI directive that voters may directly exercise their votes showing voter slip issued by the ECI, presiding officers at several polling booths turned them back to bring their voter ID card or some other identity proof. A minor argument took place between Samajwadi Party candidate from Bahraich Rubab Saeeda and presiding officer (PO) at Qazipura polling booth when the presiding officer refused to allow her to cast her vote on the basis of voter slip issued by the ECI. However, he later relented. At Karijor polling booth of Matera assembly area, a man Rizwan expressed his anger as his name was missing from the voter list, though he had specially come from Lucknow to cast his vote.

Movement along the Indo-Nepal border was restricted during the election and tration officials moved from one booth to another to take stock of the situation.