80 % turnout as repolling ends peacefully

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 25:

An overall average of 80 percent polling was recorded in the 9 booths that went for re-poll in Odisha today, said a release from the CEO’s office here.

While Dantia booth in Ghasipura constituency in Keonjhar district recorded the highest polling of 88 percent, the Pokharigan booth under Niali constituency in Cuttack district recorded the lowest polling of 71 percent.

The Baghamunda booth under Telkoi constituency recorded 87 percent and Jenabali booth under Aul constituency, 74 percent.

The voter turnout in Jenabali which was relatively low till noon due to the intense heat factor, picked up in the afternoon session as people queued up in large numbers to cast their votes.

Significantly there was more voters’ turnout here today in comparison to polling that had taken place on 17 April. Of the 1012 registered voters of the booth, 747 took part in the repolling while it was 708 on 17 April, said official sources.

The Chief Election Officer (CEO) had recommended re-polling in booth no- 185 in Janabhali Upper Primary school of Kalasapur village under Aul assembly segment in Kendrapara district after the Odia news channel Focus TV had shown some persons pressing the EVM buttons on behalf of some women voters in that booth on 17 April.

In Niali constituency, 79 percent polling was recorded in Sagadailo booth, 80% in Suanlo, 76% in Mahangapada (booth no.178), 81% in (booth no.179) and 84% in Kulabansahi.

Polling was peaceful in all the 9 booths that went to re-poll today with no untoward incidents reported, official sources said.