Vote Machines In UP, Maharashtra Hit By Heat Wave, Says Poll Commission

As complaints about malfunctioning voting machines flowed in from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh during the by-elections today, the Election Commission said the "severe heat conditions" were interfering with the machines. Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, where Ajit Singh's RLD has already lodged a complaint, is one of the most-watched by-polls of the 14 elections that are being held across 10 states. The parliamentary constituency is seen as a test case of opposition unity. At booths where polling was disrupted for more than two hours due to malfunctioning VVPATs, the election commission could consider re-polling after going through the reports of district election officers, said UP's chief electoral officer. Bypolls in Maharashtra's Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya parliamentary constituencies are witnessing key contests where the BJP is fighting to come back. The counting of votes is on Thursday.