Electors in city look for a muhurat to vote

VISAKHAPATNAM: While all measures have been taken to ensure smooth functioning of the election, a few voters believe that the success of the task will be maximised if it is done at an auspicious time. Similar to the leaders of political parties who filed their nominations during some auspicious hour of the day, voters believe that an important event like voting must be done during an auspicious hour, as it would yield good results.“Timing is important for any good task. Hence, I feel that selecting an auspicious time for voting is also important. My family will vote within the time period of 6am to 7.30am or 9am to 10.30am as it is an auspicious time of the day, according to Chaughadiyas (Vedic astrology),”said a retired employee, Ram Kumar.Nirmala Kumari, a homemaker, said, “we vote with the belief that it will give the best results. Hence, why not do it at the right time?” She further added, “we will vote post 12pm and hope to get the desired result for better governance.”Mani Sarma, an astrologer, however, disagreed with the practice. According to him, though planetary positions and auspicious time has certain meaning for netas while they file nominations, they can have no significance to a voter looking to exercise his democratic right. Another astrologer said that he has been receiving calls from people who have enquired for the ‘best time’ to vote. “I have also been receiving requests to predict as to who would win the polls,” added the astrologer.