Voting for the general and mid-term elections of Junagadh Municipal Corporation, 68 municipalities, Gandhinagar, Kathlal, and Kapadvanj Taluka Panchayats, as well as by-elections for several vacant seats in local governance bodies, was held on Sunday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The total electorate comprised 38,86,285 voters, including 19,84,730 male voters, 19,01,410 female voters, and 15 other voters. More than 5,000 candidates contested in these elections.
According to the State Election Commission, the estimated voter turnout was 44.32% for Junagadh Municipal Corporation, 31.72% for the by-election in three municipal corporation seats, 61.65% for 66 municipalities, 35.23% for the mid-term election in two municipalities, and 37.85% for the by-election in 19 municipal seats.
District Panchayat by-elections saw a turnout of 43.67%, while the general election for three taluka panchayats recorded 65.07%. The by-election for 76 taluka panchayat seats witnessed a 53.12% turnout.
Polling remained largely peaceful, though some incidents were reported.
A scuffle broke out between BJP and Congress supporters outside Ward No. 6, New Era High School in Sanand. A Congress worker was allegedly assaulted on the head and chest, prompting the arrival of the District Police Chief and LCB officials. Later, the Ahmedabad District Congress President and other Congress workers reached Sanand Police Station.
In Talaja, a confrontation occurred between a candidate and the police at a polling station. Supporters of the candidate gathered outside, creating tension. As the crowd surged, the police and the candidate argued over alleged election law violations. The situation was brought under control, and the crowd dispersed.
A presiding officer in Kheda was found intoxicated at the polling station during the Mehmadabad Municipality elections. Identified as Virendra Baria, he was removed from duty by the district collector. A police complaint was filed against him under prohibition laws. Baria also serves as an assistant teacher in a school in Mehmadabad.
In Mangrol, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s Piyush Parmar filed a complaint with the Election Officer, alleging that two vehicles displaying BJP symbols were circulating in the area. The Election Officer dispatched a team to investigate. BJP city president Dinesh Somaiya denied the allegations, stating that AAP was making false accusations.
In Dhoraji Municipality, Rajkot district, the father of AAP candidate Ajaybhai Kandolia died of a heart attack at a polling station before casting his vote. Harsukhbhai Kandolia, 57, collapsed at the Technical High School polling booth and was declared dead at a hospital.
In Surat’s Suda Awas area, a confrontation broke out between BJP, AAP, and Congress workers during the by-election for Ward No. 18 (Limbayat-Parvat-Kumbhariya) of the Surat Municipal Corporation. BJP workers were reportedly seen wearing party-branded sarees on voting day, leading to allegations of model code of conduct violations. The situation escalated into a heated exchange, but police intervened and restored order.
An EVM malfunction was reported in Room No. 3 of Vinay Vidyalaya in Ward No. 7, Radhanpur, causing a delay of an hour before a replacement EVM was provided.
In Bilimora, Congress alleged that an EVM malfunction prevented voters from pressing the Congress button at Booth No. 5 of Ward No. 2, leading to protests and police intervention. Voting was temporarily halted.
The State Election Commission confirmed that the election process was conducted peacefully overall, with no untoward incidents necessitating re-polling. The counting of votes will commence at 9:00 am on Tuesday, and final results are expected by noon.
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