The democratic process faced a hiccup as a scuffle erupted at a polling booth in the Jangaon Assembly Constituency during the ongoing state assembly elections in Telangana. Reports indicate that the clash involved supporters and workers of the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A video capturing the incident, subsequently shared on social media, depicts an unidentified individual forcefully slapping another while holding him by the collar. Prompt police intervention successfully brought the situation under control, ensuring the safety and continuation of the voting process.
The scuffle incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened security arrangements as voters exercised their franchise at 35,655 polling stations spread across the state. Notably, this election marks a significant development as, for the first time in Telangana, home voting options have been extended to citizens aged over 80 and those with disabilities. Approximately 27,600 voters have availed themselves of this service, seeking to contribute to the democratic process from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, around 1,000 voters have registered for the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System, showcasing the diverse methods adopted for facilitating the voting process.
As political leaders, including BRS’s K Kavitha, Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao, and Congress Chief Revanth Reddy, exercised their electoral rights, the scuffle incident underscored the passion and fervor surrounding the assembly polls. The elections, witnessing a triangular contest between the BRS, Congress, and BJP, hold considerable significance for the political landscape of Telangana. In the previous assembly polls of 2018, the BRS secured 88 out of 119 seats, holding a dominant position with a 47.4% vote share, while the Congress lagged behind with just 19 seats.
The counting of votes, along with the results from four other states, is slated to take place on December 3, adding an additional layer of anticipation to the electoral process in Telangana. The incident serves as a reminder of the vibrancy and challenges inherent in the democratic exercise, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and fair electoral environment.
