Change in ballot serial numbers triggers tension in Mahabubnagar division 45

ension prevailed in Division 45 of the Mahabubnagar Municipal Corporation after serial numbers on ballot papers differed from model ballots, causing confusion among voters and candidates. Polling continued despite complaints to election officials

Mahabubnagar: Tension prevailed among candidates and confusion gripped voters in division 45 of the Mahabubnagar Municipal Corporation after a change in the serial numbers on the ballot papers came to light on polling day.

After the withdrawal of nominations, officials had issued model ballots clearly mentioning the serial numbers of the candidates. However, on Wednesday, the serial numbers on the ballot papers were found to have been changed, taking candidates by surprise and causing concern that the alteration could impact their prospects, reports said.

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Even after the issue was brought to the notice of the election officials, polling continued with the revised serial numbers. The officials stated that the ballot papers had been received from the head office and nothing could be done at that point, according to reports.

In the model ballots, candidates of the main political parties were allotted serial numbers ahead of other candidates, including those of the Jana Sena Party. However, in the ballot papers used on polling day, the Jana Sena Party candidates appeared ahead in the serial sequence. As a result, the serial numbers were altered, triggering tension among the candidates.