Gujarat Records 55.22% Voter Turnout by 5 PM, highest in Valsad and Banaskantha 

AHMEDABAD,GUJARAT : As the third phase of Lok Sabha elections unfolded in Gujarat, the state witnessed a turnout of 55.22% by 5 PM, with various constituencies showcasing diverse patterns of voter participation. Notably, Valsad Lok Sabha constituency in South Gujarat recorded the highest voter turnout at 68.12%, followed closely by Banaskantha at 64.48%, where the increased voter presence sprung a surprise for the BJP.

In Banaskantha, Congress candidate Geniben Thakor garnered attention as she visited polling booths, rallying support from voters and highlighting the keenly contested nature of the seat. Conversely, Amreli Lok Sabha constituency in Saurashtra reported the lowest voter turnout at 45.59%, with Porbandar, contested by Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, following closely at 46.51%.

Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, amidst heightened attention due to ongoing Kshatriya agitation against Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, recorded 54.29% voting by 5 PM. Rupala, along with supporters, actively appealed to voters to increase participation, reflecting the competitive nature of the electoral landscape.

Despite soaring temperatures ranging between 41 to 43 degrees Celsius, political parties in Ahmedabad and Saurashtra resorted to loudspeaker announcements outside residential societies to encourage voter turnout.

Significantly, Scheduled Tribe (ST) Lok Sabha seats like Panchmahal, Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Bharuch, and Bardoli witnessed turnout ranging from 55.31% to 63%. Bharuch, witnessing a contest between AAP’s Chaitar Vasava and BJP’s Mansukh Vasava, reported 63.56% voter turnout.

However, instances of electoral malpractice also surfaced, with a BJP worker caught making a video of the ballot unit and VVPAT unit at a booth in Veraval. Additionally, allegations of BJP agents carrying pens marked with the lotus symbol post-voting were leveled by Gujarat Congress State President Shaktisinh Gohil, prompting calls for action from the Election Commission.

In a heartening display of democracy’s essence, Una assembly constituency’s Banej Booth No. 3 witnessed 100% voting as the sole registered voter, Mahant Haridasbapu of Banej temple, exercised his franchise.

Technical glitches also momentarily disrupted polling, as seen in Rajpipla’s Chhatravilas polling booth, where the control unit malfunctioned, prompting swift resolution by technical staff.

Lastly, in Navsari Lok Sabha constituency, Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil’s bid for re-election saw party workers visiting residential areas, drumming ‘thalis’ to rally voters to polling booths, emphasizing the grassroots mobilization efforts underway amidst the electoral process.