Follow code of conduct, candidates urged

Nalgonda: Returning Officer and Nalgonda District Collector P Satyanarayana Reddy on Tuesday asked the candidates contesting the elections to Warangal-Nalgonda-Khammam graduates’ constituency to follow the Model Code of Conduct and stringent action would be initiated against those who violate it.

At a meeting with the candidates in his chambers at the Collectorate, the Returning Officer explained the Model Code of Conduct. He said 2,81,138 graduate voters would exercise their franchise at 273 polling stations in the three districts. The numbering of the polling stations was changed due to the merger of five mandals of Khammam district with Andhra Pradesh. He said voters should use only violet colour pen, which would be provided by the election staff, for marking in the ballot paper. Votes would become invalid if the voters write any text or sign on the ballot paper, he added.

Responding to a complaint that the Association of Aided Schools and Colleges had openly supported the candidature of a major political party, the Returning Officer assured the candidates that he would inquire into the matter, if a written complaint was given.