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DMK asks EC not to reduce number of polling booths in TN
Chennai, Nov 16: The DMK today asked the Election Commission not to reduce the number of polling stations in Tamil Nadu but to at least maintain status quo if the number could not be increased.
Chennai, Nov 16: The DMK today asked the Election Commission not to reduce the number of polling stations in Tamil Nadu but to at least maintain status quo if the number could not be increased.
In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh, released to the press here, DMK general secretary K Anbazhagan said "clearly there is a case for increase of polling stations due to substantial increase in the number of voters in the state".
Reduction in the number of polling stations would only discourage people from voting, he said adding that even if polling was through electronic voting, those casting their ballot would have to reach the polling stations and unless the distance was kept to the minimum, voters would find it difficult to exercise their franchise.
On November 12, the state chief electoral officer Dr Mrutyunjay Sarangi, who had discussed the schedule for revision of electoral rolls in the state with representatives of various political parties, had told reporters that the number of polling stations in Tamil Nadu would be reduced from 54,917 to 49,335.
Anbazhagan alleged that the decision to reduce the number of polling booths in the state was taken by Sarangi only in consultation with the ruling AIADMK and not with other political parties.
Bureau Report
Reduction in the number of polling stations would only discourage people from voting, he said adding that even if polling was through electronic voting, those casting their ballot would have to reach the polling stations and unless the distance was kept to the minimum, voters would find it difficult to exercise their franchise.
On November 12, the state chief electoral officer Dr Mrutyunjay Sarangi, who had discussed the schedule for revision of electoral rolls in the state with representatives of various political parties, had told reporters that the number of polling stations in Tamil Nadu would be reduced from 54,917 to 49,335.
Anbazhagan alleged that the decision to reduce the number of polling booths in the state was taken by Sarangi only in consultation with the ruling AIADMK and not with other political parties.
Bureau Report