Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Telangana ahead of the Assembly elections on November 30. After the end of campaigning, the authorities have enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code across the state. Liquor shops will remain closed for 48 hours and will reopen after polling ends on Thursday evening.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Vikas Raj, stated that enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent the distribution of freebies, liquor, and cash. Since October 9, when the model code of conduct was implemented, these agencies have seized cash, liquor, gold, drugs, and freebies worth over Rs 730 crore. The Election Commission has also ordered outsiders to leave constituencies.
The CEO emphasized the importance of adhering to the silent period restrictions. There should be no poll campaigning on social media, and only approved advertisements will be allowed in print media. Political leaders and star campaigners have been advised to refrain from addressing the media through press conferences and interviews on election matters.
There are over 3.26 crore eligible voters in all 119 constituencies of Telangana. A total of 35,655 polling stations have been set up. The state has a total of 3,26,02,799 voters, including men, women, transgenders, service voters, NRI voters, and voters in the age group of 18-19.
More than 2 lakh personnel, including 22,000 micro observers, will be on poll duty to monitor the polling process. Webcasting will be arranged at 27,094 centers across the state. There are 2,290 candidates in the fray, including 221 women and one transgender candidate.
Polling will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some constituencies concluding at 4 p.m. Counting of votes will be conducted on December 3.
