New Delhi: Jharkhand recorded 67.59% voting till 5 pm, surpassing 67.04% voting in these ACs in 2019 Assembly Elections. On the other hand, Maharashtra recorded 58.22 % polling as of 5 PM.
Despite a range of measures by the Commission for ease of voting, and motivational campaigns, urban voters in the state continued their dismal record of low participation in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Thane. Simultaneous polling for all 288 ACs in Maharashtra in a single phase and 38 Acs of Jharkhand in phase-2 concluded peacefully today.
Voting commenced at 7 AM today and was peaceful and orderly. In both states, voters were still in the queue when reports last came in. Bye-polls in 15 ACs and 1 PC in 15 states were also held today. With this, elections have concluded for Jharkhand and Maharashtra legislative assemblies and bye-polls in 48 ACs and 2 parliamentary constituencies of 15 states across the two phases.
CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu had been keeping a close watch on every aspect of the poll process including measures to enhance poll participation.
In Uttar Pradesh, taking cognisance of complaints regarding arbitrary checking and prevention of voters from voting in certain ACs, the Commission, after a thorough enquiry ordered the suspension of police personnel in Moradabad, Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar for violating the norms and guidelines regarding checking of voters.
CEC Rajiv Kumar strictly directed all concerned DEOs/SPs and 13 central observers to ensure a free, fair and impartial election process without any bias against any community.
Special emphasis was placed on combating urban apathy owing to the trend of low voter turnout witnessed in urban centres in Maharashtra in past state and parliamentary elections.
More than 1185 polling stations were set up in high rise buildings/societies and as per directions from CEC Rajiv Kumar all basic facilities were provided at polling stations including benches for voters in queue, volunteers and wheelchairs.
Various awareness and mass mobilization campaigns were organized ahead of the polls involving film celebrities, ECI state and national icons, to nudge urban and young voters.