Telangana witnessed one of the most incident-free elections, if social media is an indication. At a time when the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh reported multiple incidents of violence, it was smooth sailing here.
Citizens who exercised their franchise took to social media to share their selfies and their family photographs after the polling. “This is very special. All six of us could finally vote together for the first time!” wrote Neeraj Raj with all his family members showing the inked finger.
Badminton player Jwala Gutta, who could not vote during the Assembly elections, took to social media and posted a photograph with her sister and mother showing the inked finger. Much to the chagrin of the Election Commission, some citizens managed to take their cellphones inside the polling booths and even posted photographs of whom they voted for.
But the issue of missing names from the voters’ list continued to dog the electoral process and made a splash on the social media. Many families reported finding only one name in the roll, while the other names were missing, and shared their ordeal tagging the Chief Election Commissioner, besides a host of other officials.
The social media proved to be of use to Manikya Prabhu who tweeted: “@ceotelangana @cyberabadpolice @TelanganaDGP Sir, is it mandatory to attach Aadhaar Card copy to cast a vote or any govt Id proof is enough. Because in our village, they are saying it is mandatory. Please confirm otherwise my vote useless in Chevella constituency”. A few minutes later, the Cyberabad police replied with a YouTube link of the Chief Election Officer’s press conference where he detailed what documents can be used on the polling day.
Some of the citizens who registered recently for voting got a message in the morning: “Dear, Xanxi Kxxx PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE ON April 11th Pc/Ac name: Chevella-Rajendranagar Epic:WPK400007 Ps Name: 208-Hyderguda. Sl no: 5X8 Location: MPPS School, HYDERGUDA -- CEO Telangana.”
