TN urban polls: BJP polling agent objects to woman voting with hijab on, removed from Madurai booth

The incident disrupted voting for some time at the polling station in Melur municipality after which booth agents of other parties intervened and the polling officer removed Girinandhan from the booth.

By: Express Web Desk

Chennai | Updated: February 19, 2022 09:21 PM IST

2 min read

The incident disrupted polling for some time at ward no. 8 in Al Ameen High School, Melur municipality.

A polling agent of the BJP was arrested on Saturday after he objected to a woman wearing a hijab while voting at a polling booth in Madurai. The Melur police said they are yet to remand him. The accused has been identified as Girinandhan (40).

In a video that was shared widely on social media, Girinandhan was seen claiming that the woman’s face was not visible while voting. The incident disrupted polling for some time at ward no. 8 in Al Ameen High School, Melur municipality.

Officials in the video were seen informing him that they were able to verify the identity of the woman and that there was no need to question her. However, he refused to pay heed.

“I cannot accept this. How can I cross verify the person wearing hijab with the photos in this (voters) list? I will definitely raise this issue, irregularity is taking place here,” Girinandhan was heard shouting in the video.

The booth agents of other parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, soon intervened and as per the direction of the polling officer, Girinandhan was removed from the polling booth and another BJP member was appointed as in-charge.

Addressing reporters, State Election Commissioner V Palanikumar said he has informed the matter to the district collector concerned and they will initiate necessary action. “It is their freedom. Ours is a secular country, it has been said in our Constitution itself. The district collector will conduct a probe and send the report,” he said.

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