E-Paper
By-poll peaceful, but turnout low
THE KAURIRAM assembly by-election passed off peacefully on Saturday. Elaborate security arrangements were made for polling and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the district. However, the electoral exercise was marked by low turnout of voters. Thirty-six per cent voting was recorded in the constituency till 5 pm, when the election came to an end. Though worried by this trend, political leaders put up a brave front to say it would work in their favour.
THE KAURIRAM assembly by-election passed off peacefully on Saturday.
Elaborate security arrangements were made for polling and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the district.
However, the electoral exercise was marked by low turnout of voters.
Thirty-six per cent voting was recorded in the constituency till 5 pm, when the election came to an end.
Though worried by this trend, political leaders put up a brave front to say it would work in their favour.
Central paramilitary forces virtually took charge of almost all the polling booths, which were reported to be sensitive. Polling started at 8 am at 337 booths.
No candidate made any complaint about fake voting. There was no report of any complaint about the voter list either.
Lack of interest among voters was visible at various polling booths. Several booths wore a deserted look just two hours after the start of polling.
Initially, some people came out of their houses to cast their vote. But, soon it became evident that the turnout was much below expectation.
Strict implementation of the election code of conduct and tight security arrangements foiled any plan by anti-social elements to disrupt the voting process.
Though there were seven candidates in the fray, it was almost a direct fight between Bharatiya Janata Party and Yogi Adityanath-supported candidate Shital Pandey and Samajwadi Party candidate Rambhual Nishad.
Rebel BJP candidate Upendra Dutt Shukla was riding on a sympathy wave in particular areas, while other candidates failed to make any impact. The Election Commission had made arrangements for videography and photography at polling booths.
The voters, who had failed to bring the identity cards, used other options to exercise their franchise. Their photographs were taken at polling booths.
The fate of the candidates was sealed in electronic voting machines, which will be opened on March 27 for counting.
Till then, a guessing game about the winner and the losers will continue.
Though outsiders were not permitted to enter into the polling booths, but ministers and senior leaders were reported to be present in the constituency.