The number of invalid votes in the Graduate MLC elections is baffling the political pundits and the candidates alike. An estimated 10 per cent of the polled votes have been declared invalid as they did not vote as per the prescribed rules.
As many as 12474 votes were found to be invalid in Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal constituency, while 10082 votes were found to be not valid in Hyderabad-Rangareddy-Mahabubnagar constituency. In both the constituencies, the number of invalid votes is almost equal to the majority of the TRS candidates over their nearest rivals in their respective constituencies. Such a high number of valid votes in graduate constituencies, where the voters are educated, is a riddle.
Many voters wrote their preferences in words instead of writing the number. Some wrote slogans like Jai Sriram, Jai Modi and Jai Hindu Jai Jai Hindu. As a result, these votes were declared invalid. Many voters even wrote 'give us jobs, fill the vacancies- on the ballot papers rendering them invalid.
At least the outcome would have been different in Hyderabad constituency if only the BJP voters voted right. The number of such voters who voted for theBJP, but voted the wrong way is more than the majority that TRS candidate Vani Devi has got. More voter education is the need of the hour, said a political analyst.
As many as 12474 votes were found to be invalid in Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal constituency, while 10082 votes were found to be not valid in Hyderabad-Rangareddy-Mahabubnagar constituency. In both the constituencies, the number of invalid votes is almost equal to the majority of the TRS candidates over their nearest rivals in their respective constituencies. Such a high number of valid votes in graduate constituencies, where the voters are educated, is a riddle.
Many voters wrote their preferences in words instead of writing the number. Some wrote slogans like Jai Sriram, Jai Modi and Jai Hindu Jai Jai Hindu. As a result, these votes were declared invalid. Many voters even wrote 'give us jobs, fill the vacancies- on the ballot papers rendering them invalid.
At least the outcome would have been different in Hyderabad constituency if only the BJP voters voted right. The number of such voters who voted for theBJP, but voted the wrong way is more than the majority that TRS candidate Vani Devi has got. More voter education is the need of the hour, said a political analyst.