(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
Gujarat Phase II: 2.23cr voters in 93 constituencies cast ballot
14 Dec 2017
About 2.3cr voters across 93 constituencies in North and Central Gujarat are casting their ballot in the second phase of the Gujarat elections today.
Campaigning turned more aggressive after the first phase on December 9, with PM Narendra Modi alleging Pakistan was interfering to ensure a Congress win.
This election is a crucial test for the BJP, which is facing 20+ years of incumbency.
Political bigwigs cast their votes
About
This time, 851 candidates including Deputy CM Nitin Patel are testing their luck in Ahmedabad, Banaskantha, Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Vadodara and more.
Former CM Anandiben Patel, BJP chief Amit Shah, Congress' Shankersinh Vaghela, Modi's mother Heeraben and Patidar leader Hardik Patel's parents cast their votes.
Reports of EVM malfunctioning emerged from at least three polling stations in Vadodara.
Results will be declared on December 18.
100% deployment of VVPAT, turnout might be low
Security
This marks the first time that VVPAT machines are being deployed in all booths.
Hundreds of companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, RAF and state police have been deployed.
In 2012, the turnout in these regions was 72.64%, but considering turnout in the first phase dropped to 66.75%, similar trends are expected today.
Many non-resident Gujaratis have returned just to cast their votes.
Repolls in six booths of the first phase today
Fact
The first phase of polling across 89 constituencies in Saurashtra-Kutch and South Gujarat recorded a voter turnout of 66.75%. There will be repolling in six booths today after the EC cancelled their results: officials had forgotten to erase results of the mock drills held earlier.
Serious allegations, broken rules, EC notices and more
Campaign
This election is a key test for the BJP, which has won the last five state elections.
In the aggressive run-up, Modi alleged Pakistan's interference in collusion with Congress.
He also made what is being called India's first seaplane journey, though it turned out to have flouted many rules.
Meanwhile, the EC has issued notice to Rahul Gandhi for giving interviews to TV channels.
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