54% voter turnout in Surat (West) assembly by-poll

Surat, 4 December 2013

Update:

Turnout has been 54% at the end of polling. This is good turnout for by-poll, but one lakh lead may not be possible for probable winning candidate – BJP’s Purnesh Modi.

Voting is going on peacefully for Surat(West)assembly seat today. There are total 201 booths in 47 buildings covering 2,02,877 voters. 14 candidates are trying their luck. There are total 1,03,719 male and 94,158 female voters. Total 1,200 govt employees are on election duty. The administration has allotted 201 electronic voting machines. 10% machines are kept reserved.

Along with the regular police force, Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) jawans are also deployed at polling stations. According to district collector Jayprakash Shivhare, each polling booth has been allotted one micro observer, appointed by central government. The buildings with more than six booths are having more than one micro observer. There are total 20 critical centers where webcasting facility has been installed. Election Commission of India(ECI) and district collector will be able to view polling at these 20 centers live in their office. Police has deployed quick response team, State Reserve Police also on duty.

Polling related leave has been declared only in schools, colleges located in Surat(West) area. The election is believed to be one sided in favor of BJP, and therefore it has not evoked much interest. Politicians are doing their best to push and mobilize the voters on polling day.