Ballari: A picture claimed to be clicked by the supporter of Congress candidate VS Ugrappa casting his vote in Ballari is being shared on social media. The incident occurred at a polling booth in Hosapete in the Ballari constituency.

VS Ugrappa is contesting from Ballari constituency for Lok Sabha by-election in Karnataka against BJP candidate J Shantha.

The supporter has been identified as Ibrahim Razak, 25, of Hospet. He has been arrested by election officer Lokesh. A  case in this regard has been booked by the Hospet police station.

Speaking to MyNation, Ugrappa clarified that he had no idea about the incident. "I had no idea that one of my supporters has done this. It is not permissible at all. Had I known this, I would not not have allowed it. This is wrong and I will look into it," he said.

Taking a selfie or photo while casting vote and publishing will amount to violation of rules set by the Election Commission and the person can also land in jail for three months. Selfies inside polling booths and posting it on social networking sites also will amount to violation of the Representation of the People Act.  

“Even if voters carry mobile phones, they have to hand them over to the returning officer or polling officers at the booth,” Election Commission had said earlier.

However, till 9 AM Ballari recorded just 4.4% votes. By 11 AM, the voters turnout has increased to 24.58%.  At 1 PM, the voters turn out at Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya is 30.20%, 35.72% and 26.80% respectively and 39.81% and 43.50% in Ramanagara and Jamakhandi constituencies.