The second and deferred phase of municipal elections across the Vidarbha region concluded on Saturday, with polling largely peaceful barring a few isolated incidents. The political fate of hundreds of candidates contesting for positions in various urban local bodies now rests with the ballot boxes, with the counting of votes scheduled for Sunday.
Polling Day Highlights and Incidents
Voting commenced under chilly morning conditions, leading to a slow start in several areas. However, election officials reported a steady increase in voter participation as the day progressed. The deferred polls covered municipal councils and nagar panchayats across multiple districts, with keen local interest in contests for mayors, presidents, and corporators.
Minor technical issues were reported in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at three locations: Umarsara in Yavatmal district, Deulgaon Raja in Buldhana district, and Balapur in Akola district. In each case, officials confirmed that the faulty machines were promptly replaced, ensuring polling resumed without major disruption.
The day witnessed one significant incident of tension at the Anjuman English School polling centre in Yavatmal. A clash between two groups escalated into a physical altercation, prompting police to carry out a mild baton charge to control the volatile situation. Two individuals sustained serious injuries and were shifted to a government hospital. Security was immediately tightened at the centre following the clash.
District-wise Voter Turnout and Key Contests
Election authorities across Vidarbha have sealed all EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units, moving them to strong rooms under round-the-clock security. Preparations for the counting process are complete. Here is a breakdown of polling across key districts:
Nagpur District: Polling in four nagar panchayats and municipal councils recorded an overall turnout of 60%. Of the 24,555 eligible voters, 14,732 cast their ballots (7,516 men and 7,216 women). Kondhali led with a 69% turnout, followed by Narkhed (64.73%) and Ramtek (64.29%). Kamptee recorded the lowest at 57.2%, despite a late voting surge.
Akola District: The Balapur Municipal Council saw a strong turnout of 73.5% by 5:30 PM, overcoming a slow morning start attributed to the cold weather.
Yavatmal District: This high-profile contest recorded an average 54% turnout by 5:30 PM, with voting continuing late. Nine candidates are vying for the mayor's post, and 299 candidates are contesting for 58 corporator seats. Notable candidates include BJP's Priyadarshini Uikey, daughter of Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uikey, and Congress's Priyanka Moghe, daughter-in-law of former minister Shivajirao Moghe.
Buldhana District: After a sluggish morning, polling gathered pace, culminating in a robust overall turnout of 71.67% by 5:30 PM.
Wardha District: The Deoli Municipal Council election witnessed a 62% turnout. Five candidates are contesting for council president, with 70 in the fray for councillor positions.
Chandrapur District: Ghugus witnessed its first-ever municipal council elections. While turnout was 38.64% by 3:30 PM, local officials indicated the final figure was approximately 52%, pending official confirmation.
Amravati District: At Anjangaon Surji Nagar Parishad, voting for the president's post and 28 councillor seats saw a 55.45% turnout by 3:30 PM. Final figures are awaited.
Washim District: Polling concluded for the Washim Municipal Council and two wards of the Risod Municipal Council. In Washim, voter turnout stood at 45% by 3:30 PM.
Awaiting the Verdict
With the counting process set to begin on Sunday, the results are poised to provide a clear assessment of grassroots political strength and public sentiment across Vidarbha's urban local bodies. The outcomes will determine the administrative leadership for these civic bodies for the coming term.
