Chawla asks Maharashtra voters to go along with family to polling booth

New Delhi, Oct. 7 (ANI): Ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls, chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla has said that voters should go with their families at polling booths in order to prevent bogus voting.

"It is necessary because the ration cards in Maharashtra do not carry photos of the family members. We do not want a misuse of the system, so we are saying that the whole family should together go to caste their votes. We will not allow, if a person comes later on and says that he is a part of this family. But if one comes together with the family, it's fine," Chawla said.

Addressing a press conference in Pune on Wednesday, Chawla said that there would be a booth level official to identify the family members when they come to cast their votes.

"If there is any attempt at casting a bogus vote, then a First Investigation Report or FIR will be registered and consequent action will follow," Chawla added.

Chawla had earlier instructed the Director General of Police and Principal Secretary (Home) of Maharashtra and Haryana to make foolproof arrangements for ensuring peaceful and free and fair polls.

Assembly polls are due on 13th October in three states Maharashtra, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh; the votes will be counted on Thursday (22nd October). (ANI)