51.33% voter turnout, polling peaceful

The polling for the Ludhiana West byelection, which was held here on Thursday, was reported to be largely peaceful, with 51.33 per cent voter turnout.

Though in the initial two hours, the voter turnout was as low as 8.50 per cent, as the day progressed, the voting started picking up in all 66 polling stations.

To conduct the poll in a fair and transparent manner, heavy police and armed forces were deployed by the Election Commission in the entire constituency.

Except for sporadic incidents of allegations by a few voters claiming that their names were cut from the voters’ list, or fake voting was being done, no major unruly scene was reported from anywhere during the entire election process. General Observer Rajiv Kumar said he had personally visited 44 polling stations, where voting was held in a peaceful manner.

The polling percentage by 1 pm was 32.42 per cent, which was comparatively higher than the 2022 elections, which recorded 29.01 per cent till 1 pm. Till 3 pm in the 2022 elections, voter turnout was 41.04 per cent while on Thursday, it was 41.4 per cent. By 5:30 pm, the polling percentage was 49.07 per cent. The voting ended in the evening with 51.33 per cent turnout.

Voters, including youngsters, women, men, differently abled and senior citizens, were seen casting their votes at polling stations. The voters were not allowed to take their mobile phones inside the booths and the same were deposited outside with polling staff. The administration had arranged potable water at many booths for visitors due to the sultry weather conditions. Many senior citizens felt uncomfortable in the scorching heat.

Allegations and counter allegations were levelled by political parties about wooing voters. A nurse at a private clinic said she was given Rs 500 to vote in favour of a particular candidate. When asked if she would cast her vote to that candidate, she replied: “I took the money but will cast vote as per my choice.”

Candidates and their families visited several religious places to pay obeisance before casting their votes and they started posting pictures on social media platforms, requesting voters to come in big numbers to cast their votes.

One of the voters, Rakesh Kumar, said if the voting percentage was low, there would be a close fight and winning margins would be thin.

“The Election Commission should ensure at least 70-75 per cent voting to achieve the desired results. Hence, low turnout is not acceptable,” said another voter.

DC Himanshu Jain thanked polling staff and others on duty for holding the election in a peaceful manner. He said: “I am grateful to all voters for their trust in democracy and the electoral process.”

Candidates express gratitude to voters

Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu said: “My profound gratitude to the people of the Ludhiana West segment who extended overwhelming love and support to me. I’m thankful to all those who came out to vote. Active voters are the foundation on which democracy builds up. My heartiest thanks to my colleagues who came from across the state to support me and fought it as their own battle. United we stand and together we win. Jai Hind.”

AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora said: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all voters who came out to vote. People’s trust, warmth and overwhelming support throughout this journey have been truly humbling. I am thankful for the faith people have shown in me and the party. I remain committed to working for the progress of Ludhiana and the welfare of every resident. Today’s voter turnout reflects the strength of our democracy, and I feel honoured to be a part of it.”

“I extend my deepest gratitude to residents of Ludhiana for their overwhelming support, trust and affection. Your faith in me has been the cornerstone of this journey, and I am truly honoured. I am grateful to Sukhbir Singh Badal for his visionary leadership, inspiring guidance and steadfast confidence in me. My heartfelt appreciation goes to volunteers and party workers for their hard work,” SAD candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman said.

BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta said: “I have no words to express my gratitude towards the people of Ludhiana, who extended all possible support to me, motivated me and stood by me. Winning and losing is a part of life, since it was my first election. But the way the people have showered love, I cannot express that in words. My heartfelt gratitude to all voters who supported me and my party workers, and leaders who stood besides me like a rock.

Ludhiana