Peaceful voting concludes in Gujarat local body polls
Voting for Gujarat’s local self-government elections, being seen as a semifinal ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, concluded peacefully on Saturday amid minor scattered incidents. The electorate recorded a moderate response, with average voter turnout reaching 57.08 per cent by the close of polling.
Polling remained slow until 9 a.m., while intense heat led to thin turnout at many polling stations between noon and 4 pm.
However, voter enthusiasm picked up significantly during the final hours, pushing the turnout higher by the end of the day.
Among urban bodies, 15 Municipal Corporations recorded 49 percent voting, while Municipalities registered 59 percent turnout. Rural voters showed stronger participation, with District and Taluka Panchayats recording nearly 61 percent voting, the highest among all categories.
Following the completion of polling, the process of sealing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was undertaken at all polling stations in accordance with Election Commission guidelines.
Presiding officers and polling staff completed the required documentation and security procedures.
The Election Commission is expected to release the final turnout figures later in the night. Counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on April 28.
Shah, CM Bhupendra Cast Votes
Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah cast his vote with family members at a polling booth in Narayanpura, Ahmedabad, during Gujarat’s local body elections on Saturday.
After voting, he offered prayers at Kameshwar Mahadev Temple and later interacted with party workers and local residents at the residence of BJP worker Paresh Patel.
Speaking after the first phase of polling, Shah expressed confidence in the prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the ongoing West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election and departed for Kolkata to campaign ahead of the next phase of voting in West Bengal. Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel cast his vote at Shilaj and appealed to citizens to participate actively in what he described as the “sacred festival of democracy.”
Urging people to exercise both their right and duty, Patel said every voter should turn out despite the holiday and summer heat. He expressed confidence that citizens would participate enthusiastically in the democratic process.
Both leaders were seen striking a relaxed note after voting, even as polling continued across the state under tight administrative arrangements.
