Fake Pre- Poll Survey Result, Further Action Likely Against R Sreelekha: SEC

Thiruvananthapuram: State Election Commissioner A Shajahan has indicated that further action may be taken against BJP candidate R Sreelekha from Shasthamangalam Ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for sharing a fake pre-poll survey result on Facebook. The cyber cell has been directed to investigate, and the district collector has been asked to submit a report, the SEC said.

The Commission noted that the post had been shared by Sreelekha but was later removed following SEC instructions. Action will be decided based on the findings of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in the state has concluded, with the final turnout expected to be around 75%.

At Mannanchery South High School polling station in Alappuzha, voting was disrupted, prompting re-polling the following day. The decision was taken after an inspection found that the BSP candidate’s name and symbol were missing from the voting machine.

Election Commissioner Shajahan stated that polling was otherwise conducted peacefully and commended all officials involved. Counting is scheduled for Saturday at 244 counting centres and 14 district collectorates, starting at 8 am. Postal ballots for district panchayats will be counted at the collectorates, while votes for village and block panchayats will be tallied at block-level counting centres. Counting is expected to conclude by noon.