Election Commission Extends Lok Sabha Poll Voting Hours In Telangana To Tackle Summer Heat

The summer heat is also restricting political parties in Telangana from conducting outreach programs, door-to-door campaigns, and public rallies in early morning or evening hours.

The Election Commission extended polling hours in various assembly segments of Telangana for the Lok Sabha elections on May 13 due to the hot summer and heatwave-like conditions in the state. The new timing for the polling is from 7 am to 6 pm, extended from the earlier 7 am to 5 pm schedule. The summer heat is also restricting political parties in Telangana from conducting outreach programs, door-to-door campaigns, and public rallies in early morning or evening hours.

According to ANI, "In view of prevailing situation of hot summer and heat wave in the State, Election Commission extends the polling hours in various assembly segments of Telangana for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled on May 13. The new timing would be 7 am to 6 pm against the earlier 7 am to 5 pm."

 

In the run-up for Lok Sabha elections in Telangana's Khammam, scorching heatwave conditions prevail with temperatures soaring between 45 to 50 degrees. The heatwave necessitated political parties to schedule their outreach programs, door-to-door campaigns, and public rallies and meetings either in the early morning or evening hours.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Election Commission (EC) enforced a 48-hour ban on former Telangana Chief Minister and BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao from campaigning. This action was taken due to his "derogatory and objectionable statements" against the Congress party. The EC stated that his comments during a press conference in Sircilla on April 5 breached the provisions of the model code of conduct (MCC) and its advisories.