Ban on exit polls till Dec 3 due to re-polling in Old Malakpet

The election authorities are conducting the polls through paper ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

For voters above 80 years of age, physically challenged and those who tested Covid positive after Nobember 1, the authorities offered postal ballot facility. However, some voters above even 90 years of age and physically challenged turned out to cast their votes.

Polling in Old Malakpet ward was stopped after a goof-up in ballot paper was noticed. The SEC announced that re-polling in all the 69 polling stations in



the ward will be held on December 3. The symbol of CPI-M was printed as the symbol of CPI, resulting in the postponement of polling.

A total of 1,122 candidates are testing their political fortunes. Ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is confident of retaining power, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making a determined bid to wrest the municipal body.

Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), which is contesting 51 seats, is confident of retaining 44 seats in its stronghold.

Counting of votes will be taken up on December 4.