Ludhiana MC Polling Sees 64.82% Voter Turnout
The Municipal Corporation elections in Ludhiana witnessed a voter turnout of 64.82% across all 95 wards on Sunday. The polling was conducted peacefully under tight security arrangements, with no untoward incidents reported from any part of the city.
Polling Details
According to the Election Commission, a total of 1,200 polling booths were set up across the city. Voting began at 7 am and continued till 6 pm without any breaks. The highest voter turnout was recorded in Ward 32, where over 80% of eligible voters exercised their franchise. In contrast, Ward 12 saw the lowest turnout at around 50%.
District Election Officer and Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varinder Kumar Sharma said, "The polling was conducted smoothly. We received no complaints of any irregularities. The security forces were deployed in adequate numbers to ensure a peaceful environment."
Security Arrangements
To maintain law and order, around 5,000 police personnel were deployed across the city. Additionally, paramilitary forces were stationed in sensitive areas. Quick reaction teams were also on standby to handle any emergency situations.
The counting of votes will take place on December 27, and the results are expected to be declared on the same day. The newly elected council will then elect the mayor and deputy mayor in a subsequent meeting.
Political Parties' Reactions
Major political parties, including the ruling party and the opposition, expressed satisfaction with the polling process. Leaders from various parties campaigned vigorously in the weeks leading up to the elections, focusing on issues like sanitation, infrastructure, and water supply.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that they would win a majority of seats, while the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) also expressed confidence in their performance. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is not in power in the state, is also contesting the elections and hopes to make inroads in the city.
Overall, the peaceful conduct of the polls has been praised by observers and citizens alike, with many hoping that the new council will address the long-standing issues of the city.
