Jharsuguda : A Total of 71.90 per cent polling was recorded in the by-poll election to Brajrajnagar assembly constituency in Jharsuguda district on Tuesday amid tight security, while there were no untoward incidents were reported from the Brajrajnagar Assembly constituency. The polling was held in 279 booths.
The polling began in the morning at 7 am and witnessed a 32% percentage of voting till 11 am. The polling will conclude at 6 pm.
To avoid heat and humid conditions, several people including women had lined up in queues and stood to cast their votes in huge numbers since morning. To encourage women voters, five pink booths were set up in different places of the Brajrajnagar Assembly Constituency. Even 30 model polling station was set up will various facilities. Many student volunteers were deployed at various polling booths who were assisting the Senior citizen and other needy people. To beat the heatwave, sufficient arrangements were made including cold drinking water in various polling booths.
Many first-time voters were also seen who were excited to be a part of this democratic process and had given their votes for the first time.
“This is the first time I have come to cast my vote, it felt good that I am part of this democratic process. I was a little afraid as I didn’t know how to give the vote. I felt good after casting my vote. I have given the vote to the candidate thinking he/she will work for our region and hear our problems.†said Reema Sahu, the first-time voter and a resident of Kadamdihi under Lakhanpur Block
“I am a retired teacher, in spite of my health condition which is not so good but with the support of my son I have come to cast my vote. India is a democratic country; it is our duty that everyone should cast their valuable vote and be a part of this democracy.†Said Hrudananda Patel, a retired teacher of Lakhanpur
“I have voted for the person who will do all-round development of our Brarajnagar region. I have voted to see the candidate and not the party.†Said Smt. Prabhasini Sahoo, a resident of Bandhbahal.
Meanwhile, as per sources, a village consisting of 272 voters of Benkamura Village under Pandri panchayat of Lakhanpur Block had boycotted this by-poll election as they were demanding to reopen a school which has been closed by the government for last two years due to less number of students. However, ahead of the by-election, Jharsuguda district administration officials had met the villagers and tried to sort out this issue but the dialogue failed and they had not participated in this election.
“We have boycotted this election because our school has been closed for the last two years, we will not participate in voting till our school is not re-opened,†said Savita Pradhan, a villager.
