Sporadic incidents mar MLC polls in Warangal, Karimnagar

WARANGAL/KARIMNAGAR: The Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections for one Graduate seat and two Teachers’ seats were conducted on Monday across several districts, including Medak, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda. Polling began at 8 am and ended at 4 pm, with sporadic incidents reported in the erstwhile Warangal and Karimnagar districts.

Tensions escalated in Hanamkonda near the Kakatiya Degree College polling station after supporters of leading candidates flouted election regulations by holding aggressive campaign rallies in close proximity to the voting centre. As the situation worsened, police intervened and forcibly removed the supporters from the area to restore order. According to election guidelines, no campaigning is permitted near polling stations on the day of voting.

In another incident at the Chigurumamidi polling station, located in the Husnabad constituency of Karimnagar district, tensions ran high after BJP leaders alleged that Congress leaders were openly distributing money from a vehicle. BJP cadres intercepted the vehicle and reportedly confiscated the cash, leading to a clash between the two groups. Police were called in to defuse the confrontation and have launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, several disabled voters faced significant difficulties casting their ballots in Karimnagar district due to the lack of special provisions and wheelchairs at polling stations. Many people with disabilities struggled to access the venues.

As per the Election Commission of India’s guidelines, voters were required to produce a voter slip along with one of 12 approved forms of identification to cast their votes. Despite scattered incidents, local authorities maintained security arrangements, and the overall polling process proceeded smoothly in both Warangal and Karimnagar. Officials are expected to release the final results once counting is complete.