Amenities found wanting in kiosks of democracy

BANGALORE: Wires hanging by the peeling walls beg for insulation, the asbestos sheet traps the heat in this small, fan-less room on 7th Cross, MV Garden, adjoining Murphy Town, near Ulsoor.
As four women struggle to share space, there's another problem: there is no toilet barring a temporary one set up outside, which they will have to share with police constables.
This room in MV Garden is an example of how a polling booth should not be. "I am sure you can smell how bad it is, there is no fan and all four of us are expected to sleep here tonight," one of the women assigned polling duty said.
The constables guarding the booth add: "The situation was the same even during assembly elections. When we complained, we were told it was too late and that by next elections this won't be the case. But even today this is one of the worst booths under our station limits."
Another polling officer said: "This booth lies in such a congested area, and there is not a single male officer posted here. It would be difficult for us to act or protect polling material if something were to happen."
A few metres away, another polling booth begs for attention too. This has fans and a little more room but no toilet again.
TOI visited 10 polling stations of which two were in a bad condition. Police and BBMP sources said there are many such places across the city
Earlier in the day, chaos broke at the GKVK campus where local authorities were distributing poll material
. An announcement that the food counter was open and officials could pay and eat irked some poll officials who staged a protest, forcing returning officer Shylaja to visit the spot.
"At our training, we were told food will be provided. But they are making us pay. The BBMP is siphoning off money it took from the election commission," one of them alleged.
Shylaja told TOI: "We are paying the money for lunch, which comes with remuneration. I think they got confused. The matter is resolved now, we provided free lunch and will also pay them money."