Election Commission order: Mulayam's dual vote not to be counted

Election Commission has made it clear that Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's vote in the presidential election should not be counted. Commission has said that using of second ballot paper issued to Mulayam Singh may not be taken up for counting.

The Election Commission of India has given its order to Rajya Sabha secretary general V.K. Agnihotri who is the returning officer for the July 19 presidential election.

It is noted that SP chief Mulayam Singh, who had pledged support to ruling UPA's presidential hopeful Pranab Mukherjee, almost voted for Sangma during presidential election. Soon after realizing the mistake, quickly filled another ballot paper and cast it.

Although it was opposed by Sangama side and his team has demanded to cancel his vote. Sangma's election campaign manager Satpal Jain had written to the commission saying as any voter is "not entitled to another ballot" under the law.

On the issues, the poll said the second ballot paper to Mulayam Singh was not warranted according to the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.

(With inputs from IANS)