The decision was taken at a recent managing committee meeting after taking into account allegations that surfaced after the 2011 elections.

It is learnt that voters shot pictures of ballet papers to prove that they had fulfilled their promises to the concerned candidate. And in return, the voter received a pre-decided sum of money from the candidate after showing the picture.

“There were allegations that money was being exchanged to get votes in the last elections. In order to stop such corrupt practices, the managing committee decided to ban mobile phones inside the polling booth this time.

Secretary stands firm
“Candidates will not be allowed to take their mobile phones inside. It is one way of stopping such activities,” MCA Joint Secretary Nitin Dalal told MiD DAY.

Considering the many high-profile personalities in the fray for the MCA elections this time around, such a move would at least help in maintaining some sanctity in the electoral process.u00a0