Mungantiwar questions how 38-candidate ballot paper will fit ballot box slot in Chandrapur

Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar has objected to the voting process in Chandrapur. He said the ballot paper is not going into the ballot box easily, and expressed his anger over the matter.

According to Mungantiwar, the ballot paper carries the names of 38 candidates, so it becomes quite thick when folded. He asked how a ballot paper folded so thick would be pushed through the small slot of the ballot box. He said no thought had been given to this. He also said that, citing the model code of conduct, the election commissioners did not allow a meeting on questions relating to drought.

He also demanded that if any ballot paper tears while being put into the box, it should not be declared invalid.

Former minister Mungantiwar cast his vote for the graduates' constituency election at the FES College in Chandrapur city. On the occasion, he said he felt that voters this time would back the BJP's development work so that the party could win back its stronghold.

Meanwhile, voting for the Nagpur graduates' constituency has begun in Chandrapur district. A total of 32,262 voters in the district will exercise their franchise in this election. The administration has made full preparations for smooth voting at 58 polling stations in all, from 8 am to 4 pm. All voters in the district have been given four hours of special leave to vote. According to available information, 8.52 per cent voting was recorded in Chandrapur district between 8 am and 10 am.

In Wardha, rebel candidate Nitesh Karale has expressed apprehension that irregularities may occur during the voting process. He said his growing influence is irritating everyone. Karale said his representative was stopped at the Bhisi centre in Chandrapur over a signature issue. He claimed this was a conspiracy to stop him. He also made a serious allegation that the election department is working under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party.