New Delhi, April 23 (IANS). A new chapter has been added in the electoral history of the country, when Tamil Nadu and West Bengal witnessed a record level of voter participation during the first phase of voting. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar saluted the voters of both the states, calling it the highest voting percentage since independence.
Voting took place for 234 seats in Tamil Nadu in a single phase. Whereas, under the first phase in West Bengal, the voting process was completed on 152 seats, in which tremendous enthusiasm of voters was seen in both the states. During this period, the highest voting percentage ever recorded after the country’s independence.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar said, “Highest ever voting percentage in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since independence. ECI salutes every voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.”
According to data released from the Election Commission, till 6 pm, about 84.64 percent voting was recorded in Tamil Nadu and about 91.74 percent voting in West Bengal. These figures have clearly indicated that this time voters participated enthusiastically in the democratic process.
During the first phase of voting in West Bengal, more than 90 percent voting was recorded in many districts, which is considered a major achievement. According to district wise data, the highest voting percentage was recorded in South Dinajpur at 94.77 percent, in Cooch Behar 94.40 percent, in Birbhum 93.61 percent and in Jalpaiguri 93.01 percent.
Apart from this, 92.22 percent voting took place in Malda, 92.88 in Murshidabad, 92.04 in North Dinajpur and 91.78 percent in Jhargram. At the same time, in districts like Alipurduar, Bankura, West Medinipur and East Medinipur, the voting percentage remained between 89 to 91. Areas like Darjeeling (88.01 per cent) and Kalimpong (82.93 per cent) recorded relatively lower, but still strong, turnout.
Voters in Tamil Nadu also voted with enthusiasm and more than 85 percent voting was recorded in many districts. Around 92.28 percent voting took place in Karur, 90.38 in Salem, 89.93 in Erode and around 89.99 percent in Dharmapuri. Districts like Namakkal, Tiruppur, Tirupattur and Vellore also recorded voting between 85 to 89 percent. Voting percentage in urban and semi-urban areas like Chennai, Madurai and Tirunelveli was relatively lower, but still remained at a satisfactory level.
According to the Election Commission, voting was conducted peacefully in both the states and no major untoward incident was reported from anywhere. Elaborate security arrangements were made and additional forces were deployed in sensitive areas. Long queues of voters were seen at the polling stations, which clearly shows that awareness and participation in democracy has increased among the people.
–IANS
SCH/ABM
