Presiding officer changed after manipulation plaint

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: As the polling for the Karnataka Assembly Elections began on Wednesday, the Chief Electoral Officer of the State replaced a presiding poll officer in Chamnur village, allegedly for voter manipulation.

The incident came to light when the Congress’ Chittapur MLA Priyank Kharge alleged that polling was stopped in booth number 178, adding the presiding officer had influenced people to vote for BJP. In a swift response, the Chief Electoral Officer initiated the due proceedings and said the officer was replaced. The CEO also said the officer will be punished under the law. However, Congress leader Priyank Kharge also claimed the voter turnout in Chittapur, his constituency, was worrying.

“Extremely slow voting across the constituency, it has never happened before. It seems like a deliberate plot to deter voters from coming to the booth”, he claimed. While the BJP aims to retain its position amid the stiff fight from Congress, the results of the election will be out on May 13.