POLL CHATTER

Footfalls low at Metro stations
With government offices and establishments in the city closed on election day,passenger flow at most Metro Stations was abysmal. This,despite the Delhi Metro starting up two hours earlier than its usual timing of 6 am to assist staff on election duty. “After the initial early morning rush,the footfall went a downward curve at the stations. It was hardly fifty per cent of what it usually is at this time of the day,said Station Manager of Pragati Maidan Metro station Vipin Gupta. At one of the entry points to the Rajiv Chowk Metro station,the amount deposited till four in the afternoon was just Rs 50,000. “The usual collection during this time is around Rs 2 lakh,” said the Station Manager Rajesh Kumar Sharma.

Quashing rumours about Cong deal
In Matia Mahal,party workers could be heard calling out to the voters,telling them to remain faithful to the ‘Haathi’. Mohamed Haroon,a BSP member,drove his motorcycle through the bustling lanes,stopping often to clarify that BSP’s Haji Mustaqeem had not cut a deal with Congress. “The Congress is misleading the people so that Ballo Bhai doesn’t get the votes,” he said. “Haath ke neeche haathi hai. Button us par dabao.” The confusion started early at tea stalls near Jama Masjid when Congress workers claimed Ballo Bhai asked supporters to vote for Kapil Sibal. A meeting was allegedly called on Tuesday night near Mustaqeem’s residence where people shouted pro-Congress slogans,said party workers. “He has been silent for the last 4 to 5 days and even his campaigns weren’t that eventful,” a Congress worker said.

EC’s own Pappus who could not vote
The Election Commission had been asking Delhiites not to be ‘Pappus’ by urging them to vote. Most cops on election duty,however,could not vote as they are generally stationed outside their own constituencies. “We’re the Election Commission’s very own Pappus. The election staff just can’t vote,” said one of the police officers posted in Northeast Delhi. While the EC claimed that personnel on duty outside their constituencies would be issued ballot forms in advance,most cops said they did not know of the arrangement. Some were complaining as to why they needed to be stationed at their booths from the previous night.

Candidate loses cool in poll heat
With temperatures soaring and the frustration of a looming defeat ahead,an independent candidate from South Delhi could not control his temper on Thursday as went to poll his vote in Mehrauli. When he could not find his name anywhere in the list he smashed up an EVM. He was promptly arrested by police.