Disabled to be ferried for voting in Karnataka bypolls

Touted to be a first-of-its-kind service in the country, the Election Commission on Monday said it would provide a pick-and-drop facility for the disabled to help them exercise their franchise during the November 3 Karnataka bypolls.

"In a step towards an inclusive election, for the first time in the country, the election machinery is providing the facility of pick-and-drop for persons with disabilities for the by-election," a statement from the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.

The facility can be booked through "Chunavana" (meaning election in Kannada) mobile app, developed by the EC officials for the southern state.

"The booking for this facility will be closed on the midnight of November 1 so as to allow the Returning Officers of polling stations make the required arrangements," the statement added.

By-election is being held on November 3 for two Assembly seats -- Jamkhandi in Bagalkot district and Ramanagara city in Ramanagara district, as well as three Lok Sabha constituencies -- Shivamogga, Ballari (reserved) and Mandya.

--IANS

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