Two Women in Patna denied voting

As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections got underway today, reports emerged from Patna of two women being denied their right to vote despite their names appearing on the official voters’ list and carrying valid voter ID cards.

Shreya Mehta, one of the affected voters, said polling officials at her booth refused to allow her to vote because she did not have a physical voter slip. She claimed she was asked to download a digital slip instead, even though her name was clearly listed.
Shreya said, “The BLO did not give us the slip, and we were asked to download it digitally. My name is on the voters’ list. Now, I have been told to bring the slip, or else I will not be allowed to vote. I have my voter ID card as well. My name is also on the list here; the serial number is 17. We have been waiting here since 6:30 am. Now, we are going back, we will not cast our vote…”

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A similar complaint was raised by Anupama Sharma, who said she too was prevented from voting because she did not carry her voter slip, despite being on the electoral roll.
“I was not allowed to vote. They are saying I do not have the slip. My name is there on the list as well, and I have my ID card too. I have been asked to wait for five minutes. This is the first time we are facing such an issue,” Anupama said.