Umreth Assembly bypoll in Gujarat's Anand district recorded a 37.14 per cent voter turnout by 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2025, as polling progressed steadily across 306 polling stations, according to official data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI). A total of 2,45,623 eligible voters are casting their ballots to decide the outcome among six candidates in this keenly watched by-election.

Polling Begins Smoothly Across 306 Stations

Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until 6 p.m. on Thursday. The constituency encompasses 46 villages of Umreth taluka, parts of Anand's rural belt, and the municipalities of Ode, Umreth, and Boriavi.

Election authorities confirmed that the polling process has been proceeding in a structured and orderly manner under tight administrative supervision. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2025.

Massive Deployment of Personnel and Security Forces

To ensure a free and fair election, approximately 1,348 polling personnel have been deployed across all stations, supported by 22 micro observers and 19 nodal officers, bringing the total election workforce to nearly 1,500 officials.

On the security front, authorities have deployed two Deputy Superintendents of Police, four Police Inspectors, around 500 police and home guard personnel, and three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Webcasting has been enabled at all polling stations to ensure round-the-clock monitoring and transparency.

Accessibility Measures for Senior and Differently-Abled Voters

The Election Commission has taken notable steps to ensure inclusive participation. 218 wheelchairs have been arranged for elderly and differently-abled voters, supported by 361 volunteers stationed across polling booths.

Six dedicated vehicles have been provided for voters aged 85 years and above and persons with disabilities (PwD) to assist them in reaching polling centres. Voter Assistance Booths have been set up at all stations to guide voters through the process.

The electorate includes 4,174 first-time voters aged 18 to 19 years, 1,556 voters above 85 years of age, and 1,546 differently-abled voters. Officials confirmed that several voters from these categories have already exercised their franchise through home voting arrangements conducted prior to polling day.

Postal Ballots and Medical Preparedness

Earlier, 212 election-duty staff members cast their votes via postal ballots between April 15 and 17, ensuring that on-duty personnel could participate in the democratic process.

Medical preparedness is also in place, with authorities coordinating emergency care arrangements with hospitals in Anand, Bhalej, and Karamsad. ORS packets have been distributed at all polling stations as a precautionary measure against heat-related health conditions given the summer temperatures.

Valid Identity Documents and NRI Voter Rules

Voters may use any one of 12 approved identity documents for verification, including Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, and voter ID card. Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voters are required to present their original passport for identification at polling stations.

With polling set to conclude at 6 p.m. today, all eyes will now turn to May 4, 2025, when votes will be counted and the winning candidate for the Umreth Assembly seat will be declared, potentially reshaping the political landscape of Anand district ahead of future electoral cycles in Gujarat.