Gujarat bypoll: Polling gathers pace in Manjalpur; turnout rises to 14.27 pc

Vadodara, July 30 (IANS) Polling in the by-election to Gujarat’s Manjalpur Assembly constituency continued steadily on Thursday, with voter turnout reaching 14.27 per cent by 12:30 p.m., according to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Voting began in the morning under tight security across the Vadodara constituency, where 2,19,494 registered electors are eligible to decide the outcome of a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress.

Earlier in the day, voter turnout stood at 6.06 per cent at 10 a.m. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of veteran BJP MLA and former state Minister Yogesh Patel, who had represented the Manjalpur constituency for multiple terms.

Amid polling, BJP Vadodara City President Jayprakash Soni expressed confidence in the party’s support base, attributing it to its continued engagement with the public beyond election periods.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party stands with the people at all times, whether there is an election or not. We are a party that remains among the people and continuously works to resolve citizens’ issues. That is why the BJP receives their support. Our party workers are always present among the citizens, which helps in addressing their problems, ensuring development, and finding solutions to their concerns. This is an ongoing process,” Soni said.

Election authorities have established 260 polling stations at 62 locations across the constituency, with all booths equipped with ramps, drinking water, electricity and toilet facilities.

Two polling stations are being managed entirely by women staff, two by Persons with Disabilities (PwD) staff, while five have been designated as model polling stations.

To strengthen transparency, the Election Commission has implemented 100 per cent live webcasting and CCTV coverage at all polling stations.

The constituency has 1,11,645 male voters, 1,07,847 female voters and two third-gender voters. The electoral roll also includes 1,634 Persons with Disabilities, 1,406 voters aged 85 years and above, and 12 centenarians.

Ahead of polling day, 107 voters, including 90 senior citizens, cast their ballots through the home voting facility.

The BJP has fielded Satish Patel, while the Congress has nominated Bhikha Rabari, making it a straight contest between the two parties.

Authorities have also deployed nine Flying Squads, three Static Surveillance Teams, two Video Surveillance Teams and one Anti-Defacement Team to monitor expenditure and ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

Polling will continue until the scheduled closing time, with counting of votes to be held on August 3.

–IANS

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