Hyderabad, Feb 13 (TNT): The counting of votes polled in the second ordinary elections to 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations in Telangana, which began at 123 centers across the state from 8 am on Friday, is underway amid tight security arrangements.
The elections were held on February 11, with a strong voter tournout of 73.1 per cent.
Of the 12,930 candidates contesting for 2,996 wards, 14 wards (12 municipal and 2 corporation wards) were declared unanimously elected, while polling in one ward was adjourned.
Resutls will be declared and certificate will be issued after completion of counting.
All the political parties were anxiously waiting for the results, which might take time as ballot papers were used in the poll.
Prohibitory orders under section 163 of BNSS was inforce in and around 123 counter centers across the state, where the process began with the counting of postal ballots, followed by regular ballot papers.
To ensure a smooth and peaceful process, nearly 12,000 police personnel, along with armed forces and Quick Response Teams, have been deployed at the counting centres.
Only counting supervisors, counting assistants candidates and their election agents and counting agents will be allowed inside the counting hall.
State Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy on Friday warned that stringent legal action will be taken against anyone who indulges in violence, intimidation, or unruly behaviour towards police personnel and government officials engaged in election duties.
In a statement, the DGP said officials and police staff are working round-the-clock to ensure the smooth conduct of elections as per rules, and any attempt to abuse, obstruct, or assault them will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He made it clear that no one is above the law—be it public representatives, candidates, or political party workers—and that the law will take its own course if officials performing their duties are obstructed.
He also appealed to political leaders and party cadres to cooperate with election officials during the vote-counting process and to strictly adhere to the prescribed norms.
TNT TS
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