How Much Voting Has Been Registered So Far in Anta Assembly Bypoll in Rajasthan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Voter turnout reached 29.86 percent by 11 a.m.
- Polling is taking place across 268 stations.
- Enhanced security measures are in place for hypersensitive polling booths.
- Some villagers initially boycotted the election but later participated.
- Mobile phones are not allowed in polling booths, and a deposit facility has been established.
Jaipur, Nov 11 (NationPress) The voting process for the Anta Assembly bypoll in Rajasthan's Baran district is actively taking place, with a reported voter turnout of 29.86 percent by 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
A total of 227,563 eligible voters are casting their votes across 268 polling stations. Among these, 115,982 are male voters, while 110,241 are female voters. Officials confirmed that polling continues peacefully at all voting centers, with the turnout reaching 29.86 percent.
The turnout figures show 31 percent in Mangrol tehsil and 33 percent in Mangrol Municipality.
Long queues of voters have been observed at several booths, and local political leaders anticipate a steady rise in turnout.
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma, encouraged residents this morning with the message, “Vote First, Then Have Refreshments.” He urged the electorate of Anta to prioritize voting for improved governance and overall development.
In anticipation of sensitivities, the local administration has stationed security forces at seven polling stations identified as hypersensitive. Increased security measures are in place at these specific polling booths within the Mangrol Municipality area, with a deployment ratio of 1:10 involving Rajasthan Police, RAC, and paramilitary forces to ensure peaceful polling.
Initially, residents of Ganeshpura village boycotted the by-election due to unmet local demands; however, they later agreed to vote after discussions with the administration. The villagers made their way to the Badgaon polling station to participate.
Voting at polling station No. 84 (Balunda village) faced a temporary halt after 184 votes due to an EVM technical issue, but a replacement machine was promptly arranged.
Similarly, polling at station No. 209 was paused for 30 minutes due to a VVPAT malfunction, which was resolved, resuming voting.
Polling began at 7 a.m., recording a 14.09 percent turnout by 10 a.m.. Voting has remained peaceful throughout the booths, continuing until 6 p.m.
Villagers at polling station No. 219 in Sakli also announced a boycott over local issues, including road access to the crematorium and farm paths. Senior district officials are in discussions with them to address these concerns.
There are 15 candidates competing in the Anta Assembly by-election, with key contenders being Morpal Suman from the BJP and Pramod Jain Bhaya from the Congress. The presence of Independent candidate Naresh Meena adds to the contest.
Voters are prohibited from bringing mobile phones into polling booths. To assist, the district administration has set up a mobile phone deposit facility at every polling station, with volunteers using jute bags to collect phones securely at the entrance. This initiative by the Election Commission of India (ECI) ensures voters' devices are safely stored while they cast their votes.
BJP candidate Morpal Suman voted at polling booth number 237 in Tisaya village. After casting his vote, he stated, “The public is waiting with bated breath. This will be a historic election. My approach will remain the same, and the people will ensure my victory.”
The Election Commission has introduced several themed and inclusive booths to promote voter participation and awareness, including eight Pink Booths for women, a Unique Booth designed with festive decor at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, themed like a wedding ceremony, and a booth in Molkhi village for differently-abled voters. There are also five Green Booths to advocate for environmental protection, free of single-use plastic, displaying eco-friendly messages.