Telangana Election Result Day Brings a Temporary Pause to Liquor Shop Operations

In response to the upcoming Telangana Election results, Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sandeep Shandilya has taken proactive measures by issuing instructions to temporarily close liquor shops on the result day. This decision aims to maintain public order and ensure a peaceful environment during this critical period. 

Hyderabad On Sunday, December 3

On Sunday, December 3, liquor and wine shops in Hyderabad will remain closed as the Election Commission undertakes the crucial task of Counting votes from the recently conducted Telangana Assembly elections. Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sandeep Shandilya has issued directives to enforce this temporary shutdown.

The elaborate preparations for the counting process, set to commence at 8 a.m. across 49 counting centres for all 119 Assembly constituencies, include stringent security measures. Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj has assured that postal ballots will kick off the counting at 8 a.m., with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) being opened half an hour later.

To maintain law and order, prohibitory orders have been imposed around the counting centres, emphasising the significance of a secure and peaceful environment during this crucial phase of the electoral process. The Chief Electoral Officer has also indicated that, if necessary, the counting of postal ballots may run parallelly with the votes on EVMs to ensure a thorough and efficient tallying process.

Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj has assured that postal ballots will kick off the counting at 8 a.m

Post the conclusion of polling on Thursday night, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) swiftly reached their designated destinations. Each machine underwent a meticulous sealing process, accompanied by surveillance under CCTV cameras and the watchful eye of central force security, conducted in the presence of candidates or their representatives.

Ensuring a robust security setup for the counting day, each counting centre is fortified with two layers of security. The inner layer is entrusted to the central forces, while the second layer is diligently managed by the state armed reserve. To further bolster security measures on the actual counting day, a third layer will be introduced, with the state police force taking charge of traffic control around the counting centres. This multi-layered approach aims to safeguard the integrity of the counting process and maintain a secure environment throughout the electoral proceedings.

The security apparatus for the ongoing electoral process in Telangana is reinforced with the deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Forces. These forces are strategically positioned to guard the strong rooms and ensure security during the crucial counting phase.

Transparency is a key aspect of this electoral process, as the CCTV footage from the strong rooms is made accessible for candidates or their representatives to scrutinise. This measure aims to instil confidence in the integrity of the election process.

At each counting table, a well-coordinated team is in place, consisting of one counting supervisor, one micro-observer, and two counting assistants.

As the counting unfolds, a total of 1,766 counting tables are in operation across various counting centres. Among them, 131 tables are specifically designated for returning officers and the handling of postal ballots. This meticulous arrangement reflects a commitment to conducting a fair and systematic counting process, ensuring that every aspect of the electoral outcome is carefully observed and accounted for. 

The meticulous counting process is structured with precision, employing 14 counting tables for each constituency. However, for six constituencies boasting more than 500 polling stations, a heightened approach is adopted with 28 tables dedicated to each.

At each counting table, a well-coordinated team is in place, consisting of one counting supervisor, one micro-observer, and two counting assistants. This organised setup ensures an efficient and accurate tallying of votes.

In retrospect, the Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 71.34% in the elections conducted on Thursday, representing a slight decrease of about two percent compared to the 2018 elections. Out of a total of 3,26,02,793 eligible voters, a substantial 2,32,59,256 exercised their democratic right by casting their votes. The figures underscore the active participation of the electorate in shaping the democratic process.