Heatwave effect: Polling time extended by one hour

Prevailing heatwave across the state has forced the state election commission to extend the poll
timing by one hour for municipal corporation elections at three places in state scheduled on April 19.

The voters will have an extra hour to exercise their franchise in cooler evening hours as the polling
will now conclude at 6.30pm.

The polling hours at the time of announcement of election for three municipal corporations at
Chandrapur, Latur and Parbhani were between 7.30am and 5.30pm. The summer is at its peak since
early days of April in the region. The temperature in Chandrapur has touched the high of 45 degree
and municipal corporation has twice announced heatwave warning in the city in the last 20 days.

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Some political parties, too, had approached state election commission expressing their
apprehensions that high temperature during afternoon hours might effect the polling percentage.
Taking cognisance of it, election commission decided to extend the poll time. CMC commissioner
Sanjay Kakde confirmed the development.

Commissioner Kakde informed that corporation has offered lucky draw prizes to raise the polling
percentage. He claimed that a total of 125 prizes will be given to those who will send their selfies
with inked finger on a particular phone number in the form of whatsapp massage. The corporation
has also offered another incentive to the voters in the form of 10% discount at all the sweet marts
and restaurants in city on polling day with the help of Mithai and Restaurant Malak Welfare
Association. Restaurants and sweet marts in the city will provide 10% discount to the voters who
would show inked finger at the time of paying the bill.

Kakde further informed that all the preparation have been completed and EVMs have been prepared
for the poll day. A total of 440 control units and 1,258 ballot units will be used for polling in 367
polling booths.

There are 33 sensitive polling booths in the city. A team of 1400 cops, along with a SRPF company, 2
C60 commando teams, 2 riot control units led by 100 police officers, will provide security cover.
Every polling booth has been equipped with ramp and wheelchair for handicapped people along
with amenities like drinking water and shade for voters, he told.