EC officials tight-lipped over mismatch over 40 ballot papers

 Hyderabad: Two days after returning officers (ROs) initiated the ‘Vote from Home’ facility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD), allegations have surfaced that there was mismatch of about 40 votes between ballots issued and total polling votes.

Sources said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) officials had asked all ROs to send data on total polling of votes and ballot papers issued in the last two days. The ECI would announce the data of polling votes under Form 12D on Tuesday.

ROs were tight-lipped on the matter. The ECI received 44,097 applications from senior citizens and PwD and approved 28,057 applications.

The ECI ordered printing of ballot papers in the Government Printing Press. based on additional ballot unit requirements, a final additional count of 14,500 BUs is allocated to 16 districts. After the first level check (FLC), the randomisation and allocation of BUs to polling stations will be done. A total of 59,779 ballot units will be used in this election.

The list of counting centres is also finalised and necessary arrangements including security are being put in place.

On distributing voter information slips, officials said 1,65,32,040 had been distributed out of a todal of 3,26,02,799. The task has to be completed by November 23.