MP polls: 3 election officers die of cardiac arrest

One Election Commission official in Guna and two in Indore have died of cardiac arrest at their respective polling booths.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Election Officer (CEO) VL Kantha Rao said a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each will be given to the kin of the deceased, and additional help will be given through Red Cross society.

The CEO said nearly 70 EVMs were replaced after complaints of malfunctioning. He added that at least 30 cases have been registered against those found distributing liquor and money in the poll-bound state.

On being asked about Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath showing his hand - a symbol of the Congress party- after casting vote, the CEO said, "We will first verify the pictures and video and will take action if needed."

Showing party symbols or asking voters to vote for their party violates the EC's Model Code of Conduct.

Amid tight security, Madhya Pradesh is voting for a new assembly today. The voting is underway at 65,341 polling booths, which have been set up for the single-phase elections to 230 seats of the State Assembly. As many as 2,000 booths will entirely be operated by women staff. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their votes.

A total of 5,04,95,251 voters including 41,30, 90 females and 1,389 third-genders will cast their votes to decide the fortune of as many as 2, 907candidates, who are in the fray. The State Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that polling takes place in a free and fair manner.

The result of the poll will be declared on December 11.