Bhubaneswar: The last-minute restriction imposed by the Chief Electoral Officer on carrying mobile phones to polling booths during the third phase of voting in Odisha has led to discontentment among voters.
As there was no prior information from the CEO about the restriction on bringing mobile phones inside polling booths, it sparked resentment among voters.
“Since mobile phones are not allowed inside the booth, they can deposit the same at the voter assistance booths set up outside the booth (managed by the BLOs) and subsequently collect after voting. All Sector Officers have been informed accordingly”, read the notice issued by the Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha.
Many voters were seen carrying mobile phones to polling stations without knowing the restriction imposed by the CEO at the last moment.
While some welcomed the CEO’s move, a majority of voters expressed discontentment as the whole process of depositing the phone, casting votes and again collecting phones from assistance booths consumed their much time.
Several people were seen being detained by security personnel for carrying mobile phones inside the polling booths. And this led to heated arguments between the voters and security forces deployed there. Some voters reportedly returned without casting their ballots because of the CEO’s last-minute imposition.
The CEO’s office has also banned smartwatches inside the booths which was also resented by voters.
It is pertinent to note that voting for six Lok Sabha and 42 Assembly seats spread over 10 districts is underway on Saturday in the third phase of elections in the state.
