from daijiworld's special correspondent (MB)

Panaji, Jun 2: Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane had to go back without exercising his franchise on Saturday as he forgot to carry his Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

The Election Commission has made EPIC compulsory for those who have been issued cards. Those who are yet to be covered with EPIC are allowed to produce alternative identity documents to vote.

The chief minister, who arrived at Karapur polling booth in north Goa's Mayem constituency at 11.30 am, could not exercise his franchise as he forgot to carry his EPIC.

"I will collect my card and return to vote," he said. Apparently, he had kept the card at his official residence in Panaji. His wife, Vijayadevi, who was carrying EPIC, also returned later due to heavy rush at the booth.

"The rules are strict but as a common citizen I will have to follow it," Rane said. "I will be back with the EPIC and vote," the Chief Minister, who is contesting from Poriem constituency, said.

While rains continued to hit rural Goa, including Poriem constituency, the CM said people would come out in large numbers to vote for Congress.

"Just wait and see. Congress will continue in the saddle as people appreciate our work," he said before leaving the booth.