Polling for the 10 lok Sabha constituencies under the second phase of election - Morena, Bhind (SC), Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Tikamgarh (SC), Damoh, Khajuraho, Bhopal and Rajgarh - was held in the state on Thursday. The voters enthusiastically exercised their franchise in 80 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in 19 districts forming part of these 10 parliamentary constituencies.
long queues were witnessed at the polling booths from 7 am and after 3 pm. Women and youths also participated in the electoral process with fervour. A number of facilities like drinking water, shade, ramp etc. were made at all 18,796 polling booths in this phase.
Despite extreme heat and rain in some areas, a large number of rural as well as urban voters turned up at the polling booths. Polling was held peacefully amidst foolproof security arrangements.
A total of 142 candidates were in the fray for 10 parliamentary constituencies in the second phase of the lok Sabha election. Of this, maximum 28 candidates were for Bhopal lok Sabha seat and minimum 6 in Rajgarh. A total of 11 woman candidates were also contesting.
Security arrangements were tightened up to ensure free and fair election. Borders in poll-bound districts with adjoining states were sealed. Jawans of various security agencies continued fortification and search operations due to which no complaint about any irregularity was received. Besides, 14 general observers, 10 election expenses observers, 80 assistant expenses observers and 4460 micro observers were also deployed.
On receiving information about boycott at some places, local district administration counselled the voters and motivated them to exercise their franchise.
These polling booths included booths number 59 and 49 in Pawai in Panna, Jaura in Morena, booth number 180 at Pathara in Jatara in Tikamgarh district etc.
Meanwhile, 247 EVMs were replaced after technical fault was detected in them before the mock poll, 16 after mock poll and 61 EVMs were changed after start of polling.
In the meantime, police seized illicit liquor, narcotics and cash at several places in these constituencies.