Bengaluru: A tweet by Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya announcing the voting, counting dates for the Karnataka assembly elections prior to the Election Commission’s official announcement has sparked a row.
Earlier in the day Malviya tweeted that the state would go to polls on May 12 and the counting will be held on May 18. Interestingly, his tweet came minutes before the EC officially announced the dates for the single-phase polls to be held in the state on May 12. However the counting of votes, as per the official announcement will be held on May 15.
Responding to reporters, seeking to know how Malviya announced the voting and counting dates even before the EC made the official announcement, Chief Election Commissioner Rawat said that it was a serious issue and assured of taking appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found.
“The date of notification is April 17 and the last date to file nominations is April 24. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 25 and the last day for withdrawal is April 27,” said Rawat adding that VVPAT machines, apart from EVMs, will be deployed in Karnataka for the polls.
The 224-member Assembly expires on May 28 in the state where the Congress is currently in power, with 122 seats against the BJP’s 43.
