Tension in Huzurabad as candidates protest entry restrictions at counting centre

Tension erupted at the Huzurabad counting centre after candidates protested restrictions on entry passes. ACP Madhavi intervened, while counting was delayed by an hour at the Junior College centre after the strong room key went missing and officials broke open the lock.

Karimnagar: Tension prevailed at the counting centre in Huzurabad on Friday after contesting candidates argued with polling officials for not allowing two persons into the premises.

Though two passes were issued to a candidate, officials allegedly did not permit both the candidate and the agent to enter simultaneously. The candidates contended that the passes entitled them to two entries at a time.

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ACP Madhavi intervened and advised the candidates to seek clarification from the Returning Officer. The RO clarified that only one person, either the candidate or the agent, would be allowed inside at a time, following which the candidates left the spot, warning that they would lodge a complaint with the State Election Commission.

Meanwhile, counting at the Huzurabad Junior College centre was delayed due to the disappearance of the strong room key. Though counting was scheduled to commence at 8 am, it began at 9 am after polling staff broke open the lock to access the strong room.