Cell phone rule irk many

As security personnel refused people to carry their mobile phones inside the polling booth, B.S.Walia, a resident of F Block, GTB Enclave, offered his services to keep their mobile phones while people cast their votes, reports Atul Mathur.

A polling booth at a government school in Dilshad Garden Pocket C saw a different kind of volunteer.

HT Image

As security personnel refused people to carry their mobile phones inside the polling booth, B.S.Walia, a resident of F Block, GTB Enclave, offered his services to keep their mobile phones while people cast their votes.

“While passing by, I noticed some commotion at the main gate. When enquired, people told me the police were not allowing them to carry their mobile phones. So I offered to keep their phones while they cast their votes,” said Walia, standing there with many phones in his hands and pockets.

The Election Commission of India, through newspapers advertisements and public notices, had specified that mobile phones would not be allowed inside the premises.

“Why aren’t mobile phones allowed? Apparently they had placed advertisements asking people not to bring mobiles. But I don’t think those ads were repeated enough or visible enough to register,” said Saurabh Barua, an MNC executive from Sector 4, Dwarka.

A mother-daughter duo weren’t allowed to go in with their phones in Dilshad garden. The mother said said, “Chal beta chal, hame nahi dalni vote (Let’s go, we don’t want to cast vote).”

At many other centres, security personnel could be seen stopping people carrying their phones.