Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 18: Confusion prevailed in a polling booth in Bommanahalli under Bangalore South constituency, with Congress alleging 'foul play' by the BJP.

According to a report by Deccan Herald, the confusion started when a senior citizen visited the polling booth 197 at Presidency English School and tried to cast her vote. The woman complained that there was no beep or light in the EVM after she pressed the button against the candidate of her choice.

To this, the polling officer reportedly said, 'ondanna joragi otti' in Kannada meaning 'press one hard'. However, the word 'ondu' (one) triggered a controversy as the first button was that of BJP candidate Tejasvi Surya.

Pic: Deccan Herald

When the woman narrated the incident to Congress workers, a protest began and the workers alleged that the polling booth officer was trying to mislead and influence the voter.

To settle the dispute, a KSRP van was stationed at the school. The police claim that the entire incident was miscommunication which led to a verbal dispute.

Meanwhile in Round Table School in Bommanahalli, 25-year-old Satish K was shocked to hear that someone had already cast a vote in his name. His mother Kavita Kumar along with Dalit activist Shobha Murugesh threatened to stop all voting if Satish was not allowed to vote.

Finally, Satish cast his vote after he filed a 'challenge vote'. Satish's mother and Murugesh were escorted out by the police. Murugesh also alleged foul play by the BJP.