नवीनतम
Puducherry sees 72.4% voter turnout till 3 pm
PUDUCHERRY [Maha Media]: The Union Territory of Puducherry recorded a brisk voter turnout of 72.4 per cent till 3 pm on Thursday, according to the Election Commission of India.
Polling began at 7 am and witnessed a steady rise in participation across Puducherry and its enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, which together account for around 9.5 lakh voters across 30 constituencies.
The election is witnessing a contest between the NDA, which is seeking to retain power, and the Congress-led alliance attempting to regain control from the AINRC-led front.
Prominent leaders, including Chief Minister N Rangaswamy, Home Minister A Namassivayam, and Congress leader V Narayanasamy, were among the early voters.
A total of 4,836 polling personnel have been deployed, supported by 2,791 police personnel and 30 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain law and order.
Security arrangements have been intensified, particularly in sensitive areas. As many as 209 polling stations have been identified as vulnerable and five as critical. These locations are under strict surveillance, with micro-observers and CAPF personnel deployed to monitor proceedings closely.
Officials also highlighted extensive measures taken to enhance voter convenience.
Around 2,000 student volunteers have been stationed at polling booths to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusive participation in the democratic process.
In the run-up to polling, enforcement teams maintained strict vigilance under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Authorities seized suspected inducements worth approximately Rs 8.4 crore during the campaign period. This included gold and other precious metals valued at Rs 6.7 crore, Rs 77 lakh in cash, and liquor worth Rs 68 lakh, indicating robust monitoring mechanisms.
Despite the end of campaigning on Tuesday evening, surveillance teams continued their operations to prevent any violations.
Election officials stated that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure that voters could exercise their franchise without difficulty.
With a voter turnout of over 82 per cent recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections, officials expressed optimism that participation could exceed previous levels, reflecting strong public engagement in the electoral process.
