58.58 per cent turnout in 8-seat Gujarat by-polls

Gandhinagar. Gujarat has witnessed estimated 58.58 per cent polling in 8-seat by-polls of State assembly as per the data released by the Election Commission of India in its dedicated mobile application for Voter Turnout. Highest turnout of 74.41 per cent has been witnessed in Dang seat followed by Karjan 69.96%, Kaprada 67.34%, Abdasa 61.31%, Limbdi 56.04%, Morbi 51.88%, Gadhada 47.86% and Dhari 45.74%.

In year 2017 general elections of State assembly, combined turnout of these same 8 seats was 68.75 per cent. Conventionally, by-elections register lower turnout compared to general elections. However turnout in Dang seat in this by-election is higher nearly by 2 per cent compared to year 2017 general elections.

Polling time was extended by two hours compared to the general elections due to Covid-19 pandemic. Usually, polling would take place between 8 am and 5 pm, however today it was held during 7 am to 6 pm.

By-polls amid pandemic. Each voter is offered sanitizer hand wash and also polyethylene gloves and mask (if not wearing it already). Gujarat is witnessing 8-seat by-polls today. All 8-seats were previously occupied by Congress MLAs. Visual of Dhari constituency here. pic.twitter.com/3cEj0kDW4B

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) November 3, 2020

All 8 seats were previously occupied by Congress. By-polls were necessitated due to resignations of 8 then sitting Congress MLAs. 5 of them are now BJP candidates in by-polls.

Counting of votes will take place on November 10. In all 8 constituency, the main contest is between BJP and Congress candidates.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani conveyed thanks to voters for heavy polling amid Covid19 pandemic situation. Rupani also congratulated BJP cadres for reaching out to voters and assist them. Rupani said BJP will win all 8 seats that went for by-polls today. DeshGujarat