Admn all set for vote counting as candidates keep their fingers crossed
The district administration is fully prepared for the vote counting on March 12 for the mayoral and councillors’ posts of the Karnal Municipal Corporation (MC), as well as the chairpersons and councillors of Indri and Nilokheri MCs and the chairperson of the Assandh MC byelection. Following the second randomisation, duties of employees have been assigned to ensure a smooth process.
“Strict vigilance of electronic voting machines (EVMs) is being done at counting centres. Police officials are continuously monitoring the strong rooms where the EVMs are stored. CCTV cameras are in place for enhanced surveillance," said Uttam Singh, District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner.
The counting will take place at Government PG College, while that of the Nilokheri MC at Government Senior Secondary School, Nilokheri, of the Indri MC at Block Development and Panchayat Officer office (BDPO), Indri, and of the Assandh MC at the BDPO office, Assandh, the DC added.
A total of 30 counting tables will be set up at Government PG College, Karnal, for the Karnal MC election, while the Indri MC will have seven tables, Nilokheri MC will have 14 tables, Assandh byelection will be conducted on 11 tables and the by-election for councillor of Ward 5 in Taraori will be managed on one table, the DC said.
Meanwhile, some candidates, their families and supporters are camping outside the counting centres, closely monitoring the CCTV cameras.
Political observers, party members, and people are eagerly awaiting the election results of all MCs, with the mayoral contest in Karnal drawing particular attention. The BJP and the Congress are claiming victory, though the low voter turnout has introduced an element of unpredictability.
With only a 48.8 per cent turnout, just 1,47,211 voters cast their votes out of 3,01,918 eligible electors, a steep decline from the 61.8% turnout in the 2018 mayoral elections.
BJP mayoral candidate Renu Bala Gupta expressed confidence in her victory, citing the the BJP government's achievements over the past decade. “The people of Karnal have blessed me twice before, and I am sure their support will continue. I am committed to serving the city with my full capacity," she stated.
meanwhile, Congress’ mayoral candidate Manoj Wadhwa is banking on silent voters for his victory. "Undoubtedly, the voter turnout was low and people remained silent, not wanting to openly oppose the government. Those seeking change came out and cast their votes in my favour," he claimed.
Kaithal admn completes preparation for counting
Kaithal: Kaithal Deputy Commissioner Preeti said they had prepared well for the counting of votes for Pundri, Siwan, and Kalayat MCs. A total of 180 candidates were in fray for chairperson and councillor posts at these three MCs.
“All arrangements for the counting process are complete. Barricading has been done at counting centres and adequate police deployment has been ensured," stated DC Preeti.
She said the final randomisation of election duty officials has been completed. To ensure smooth and peaceful counting, Returning Officers concerned have been assigned the responsibilities. "All officials and employees must work diligently, ensuring there is no negligence. The Election Commission’s guidelines should be followed 100 per cent," she emphasised.
For the Kalayat MC, vote counting will take place at the MC building, while Pundri’s counting will be held at Anglo Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, Pundri, and Siwan’s counting will take place at the Government Model Senior Secondary School. Each of the three municipalities will have eight counting tables, with vote tallying conducted in four rounds. Each table will have a counting superviser and two assistants.
