Poll parties set out for 202 polling booths for Ratabari by-election

October 20: After a high voltage election campaign, No. 1 Ratabari Assembly constituency (Reserved) in Karimganj district is all set to go for the by-election to be held on 21 October along with three other constituencies in the state of Assam. Poll parties were given thorough training on the functioning of EVM and VVPAT. The poll materials were distributed from the strong room at Karimganj and the Presiding Officers along with their team set out for their respective booths.

The polling will be conducted in 202 booths out of which 6 were earmarked as sensitive. Elaborate security arrangements were also made for this purpose. 986 persons were trained for conducting the by-election. By Sunday evening, all poll parties were dispatched along with poll materials including EVM and VVPAT.

Speaking to newsmen, DC Karimganj informed that the distribution of polling materials was largely peaceful. Apart from 986 polling staff, around 300 to 400 administrative staff were also involved in the process. He further said that the polling team were given three rounds of training and was hopeful that they will be able to handle the EMV/VVPAT properly.

Further, for any sudden malfunctioning of EVM/VVPAT, an intermediate strongroom was also opened at Ramkrishna Nagar College, so that the machines can be replaced/repaired fast. A control room was started in the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj. For any poll related query, public/poll parties can call 03843-265144.

A total of 1,64,312 voters will exercise their franchise out of which 85, 823 are male and the rest 78, 489 are female. After the polling gets over on Monday, the EVMs will be kept in the strong room constructed at Karimganj College. The counting of votes will take place in Karimganj College on 24 October, 2019.