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New Delhi, April 19 (Hindustan Reporter) The celebration of democracy continues in the country and voters are casting their votes in large numbers across the country in the first phase. More than 60 percent voting has taken place till 5 pm. More than 70 percent voting took place in Tripura, West Bengal and Assam.
In the first phase, voting is going on smoothly and peacefully in all 21 states and union territories. Voters were seen standing in long queues at polling stations waiting for their turn to cast their votes as voting began simultaneously in 102 parliamentary constituencies at 7 am today. This sequence continues till late evening.
According to the Election Commission, till 5 pm in the first phase, the voter turnout was 64.07 on all two seats of Arunachal Pradesh, 70.77 on 14 seats of Assam, 46.32 on four seats of Bihar, 63.41 on 11 seats of Chhattisgarh, 63.25 on six seats of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra 54.85 on five seats of Manipur, 68.62 on two seats of Manipur, 69.91 on all two seats of Meghalaya, 53.96 on one seat of Mizoram, 56.18 on one seat of Nagaland, 50.27 on 12 seats of Rajasthan, 62.08 on all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu, One seat of Tripura 76.10, eight seats of Uttar Pradesh 57.54, 59.02 on the only seat of Lakshadweep, 72.84 on the only seat of Puducherry, 53.56 on all five seats of Uttarakhand, 77.57 on three seats of West Bengal, 77.57 on the only seat of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 56.87 percent voting took place and 65.08 percent voting took place in one seat of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Election Commission, successful results of the efforts to ensure inclusive elections were seen in the scenes from the polling stations today. Voters, especially from the vulnerable tribal groups, came to polling stations across the country jubilant to exercise their franchise. The Great Andamanese tribe from the Strait Islands in South Andaman also enthusiastically participated in the voting.
Barring a few sporadic incidents of violence, voting in West Bengal is largely going on in a peaceful and orderly manner. However, there have been reports of violent clashes between BJP and TMC workers and vandalism in their offices at some places in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri in the state.
On the other hand, an incident of firing took place at Mairang center in Manipur, North-East. There was a clash between two groups here but there were no casualties. However, due to this clash, voting had to be stopped for an hour.
Barring isolated incidents, peaceful voting is taking place even in the leftist extremism areas of Chhattisgarh. However, soldier Devendra Kumar, who was seriously injured in the UBGL cell explosion on the outskirts of Galkam polling station in Bijapur, died during treatment. In another incident, CRPF Assistant Commandant Manu HC was seriously injured in an IED blast while searching near Chehka polling station of Bhairamgarh police station area of Bijapur. He has been admitted to Narayan Hospital in Raipur. His condition is said to be out of danger.
Apart from this, 55.23 percent voting took place for Arunachal Pradesh Assembly and 52.73 percent voting took place for Sikkim Assembly. Talking about the by-elections, 45.43 percent voting took place in Wilvancode seat of Tamil Nadu and 56.68 percent voting took place in Ramnagar seat of Tripura.
The Commission has laid special emphasis on turning voting into an enjoyable and memorable experience. Ensured minimum facilities like water, shed, toilets, ramps, volunteers, wheelchairs and electricity are in place to ensure that every voter, including the elderly and disabled persons, can easily cast their vote.
Adequate security forces have been deployed to ensure free and fair voting. 41 helicopters, 84 special trains and about one lakh four-wheelers have been deployed by the Commission. Who will ensure the movement of officers and security personnel at the polling stations.
According to the Commission, web casting is being done in about 50 percent of the polling stations. 661 observers are deployed. Of these, there are 127 general observers, 67 police observers and 167 expenditure observers. They will play the role of eyes, ears and nose of the Election Commission. 1375 check posts have been made on the interstate borders and 162 check posts on the international border, so that there is no movement of illegal materials.
