Rajasthan By-Election Drama: Independent Candidate Slaps Official Over Faint Symbol on EVM, Sparks Conspiracy Claims

Independent candidate Naresh Meena, contesting in the Deoli-Uniara constituency of Rajasthan by-election, allegedly slapped an SDM at a polling booth on Thursday. The reason for this heated exchange was an alleged tampering with the visibility of his election symbol on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

Meena, who is contesting as an independent after he was suspended by the Congress party, alleged his symbol on the EVM was weak and it was a conspiracy to ensure that his prospects were foiled. It was said that he argues with the booth officials, which exchanged with abusive speech and culminated in his hitting SDM Amit Chaudhary.

Following this, Meena's activities began to hog the headlines. He was a Congress party worker till suspended for contesting against the party-sponsored candidate, Kastoor Chand Meena. For this seat, the BJP has named Rajendra Gurjar as its contender and thus is sure to make this a one-to-watch contest.

The reported slap has thrown open controversies about candidates and their behavior and election conduct, with most local officials and observers strictly condemning such an act of aggression against a public official.

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