Politics · India Bureau
Election Officer Suspended After Directing Voter To Support Specific Party Symbol
Polling operations were temporarily disrupted at a voting booth in Tamil Nadu's Tirupur district after an election official allegedly instructed an elderly woman voter to cast her ballot for a particular party's symbol. The officer has since been removed from duty.
LSN India ·
Voting came to a halt briefly at a polling station near Dharapuram in Tirupur district on Tuesday following an incident in which a presiding officer allegedly directed an elderly voter to support the 'whistle' symbol, the election symbol of the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party.
The woman voter approached the booth to cast her vote when the officer allegedly intervened and instructed her on how to vote, specifically asking her to vote for the whistle symbol. The incident was reported by observers and election officials present at the venue.
Following the complaint, election authorities immediately suspended the officer from duty and initiated an investigation into the matter. The incident raises concerns about the impartiality of election officials and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct during the polling process.
The Election Commission has maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of electoral malpractice or interference with voter autonomy. The action taken against the officer underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections across the state.