Voters exhibit enthusiasm in polling for second phase of Lok Sabha elections
Bhopal: Polling in 10 Lok Sabha constituencies under the second phase including Morena, Bhind (SC), Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Tikamgarh (SC), Damoh, Khajuraho, Bhopal and Rajgarh started at 7 am after mock poll today. 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 polling booths from 7 to 11 pm 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 thousand 796 polling booths in this phase.
Despite extreme heat and rains in some areas, large number of rural as well as urban voters turned up at polling booths. Polling was held peacefully amidst concrete security arrangements.
A total of 142 candidates were in the fray for 10 Parliamentary constituencies in second phase of Lok Sabha elections. Of this, maximum 28 candidates were in Bhopal Lok Sabha seat and minimum 6 in Rajgarh. A total of 11 woman candidates were also contesting.
Security arrangemerns were tightened up to ensure free and fair elections. 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 people and motivated them to exercise their franchise. These polling booths included polling booths number 59 and 49 in Pawai in Panna, Jaura in Morena, polling booth number 180-Pathara in Jatara in Tikamgarh district etc.
Meanwhile, 247 EVMs were replaced after technical fault was detected in them before 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.
