The Nagpur graduates constituency poll will be held from 8am to 4pm through paper ballots, with 445 polling stations arranged across six districts of the Nagpur division and counting scheduled at Mankapur Stadium on Tuesday, October 27.
The divisional administration completed preparations for the election on Thursday, including the deployment of polling parties and distribution of ballot papers, polling materials and other logistical supplies. The election machinery is managing polling arrangements across the constituency, which covers Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts.
Divisional commissioner and returning officer Vijayalakshmi Bidari said the state government had approved special casual leave for eligible employees enrolled as voters in the constituency. The leave will be provided in addition to their regular casual leave entitlement, allowing government employees to travel to their polling stations and vote.
Private-sector employees registered as voters will receive an extended voting-time concession. The government has increased the relaxation from two hours to four hours because some voters may have to travel considerable distances to reach polling stations, according to the report. Additional labour commissioner Kishor Dahiphalkar urged private establishments to ensure that eligible employees are allowed to use the concession.
The polling parties were dispatched on Thursday to their designated locations. Officials also oversaw the distribution of ballot papers and other election materials before polling. Since the election will use paper ballots, the movement, receipt and storage of sealed ballot boxes will form a central part of the post-poll process.
After voting concludes, sealed ballot boxes and related election material will be transported to Mankapur Stadium. Designated officials will receive, verify and securely store the material until counting begins. Bidari visited the strong room at the stadium on Thursday evening to review the arrangements.
Election observer Harshdeep Kamble had earlier inspected the counting centre and reviewed facilities for counting tables, seating for candidates and their agents, strong rooms and parking. The inspection covered both the operational arrangements for counting and the facilities required for candidates’ representatives at the venue.
The administration’s arrangements are intended to support voter access across a geographically spread constituency while maintaining custody of ballot material between polling and counting. Polling is scheduled to continue until 4pm, with the results process set to begin at Mankapur Stadium on October 27.
