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Gujarat's Umreth By-election Records 54.43% Voter Turnout Amid Heat

The Umreth Assembly by-election in Gujarat's Anand district recorded 54.43% voter turnout by 5 p.m. amid high temperatures. Voting took place across 306 polling stations with 2,45,623 eligible voters. Extensive security arrangements including CRPF personnel were deployed to ensure peaceful voting. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Key Points: Umreth By-election: 54.43% Voter Turnout in Gujarat

  • 54.43% voter turnout recorded by 5 p.m.
  • 2,45,623 eligible voters across 306 polling stations
  • Counting of votes scheduled for May 4
  • Special arrangements made for senior citizens and disabled voters
2 min read

Gujarat: Umreth by-election records 54.43 pc turnout ​(Lead)

Umreth Assembly by-election in Gujarat records 54.43% voter turnout by 5 p.m. amid high temperatures. Voting held across 306 polling stations with 2.45 lakh eligible voters.

"This is a festival of democracy - Harshad Parmar"

Anand, April 23

Polling in the Umreth Assembly by-election in Gujarat's Anand district continued under high temperatures on Thursday, with voter turnout reaching 54.43 per cent by 5 p.m., according to the Election Commission of India.​

Voting commenced at 7 a.m. across 306 polling stations set up in the constituency, which spans 46 villages in Umreth taluka and parts of the Anand rural area, along with the municipalities of Ode, Umreth and Boriavi.​

A total of 2,45,623 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the election, where six candidates are contesting.​

Counting of votes will take place on May 4.​

Election officials said the process has been conducted under extensive administrative and security arrangements, with around 1,348 polling personnel deployed, supported by 22 micro observers and 19 district-level nodal officers, taking the total workforce to nearly 1,500.​

Security deployment includes two Deputy Superintendents of Police, four Police Inspectors, around 500 police and home guard personnel, along with three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force to ensure a peaceful voting environment.​

The electorate includes 4,174 first-time voters aged between 18 and 19 years, 1,556 voters above 85 years of age and 1,546 persons with disabilities.​

Special arrangements have been made to facilitate participation, including 218 wheelchairs, 361 volunteers and six vehicles for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.​

Some voters from these categories had already cast their votes through home voting arrangements conducted prior to polling day.​

Officials said measures were in place to address heat conditions, including the provision of drinking water, Oral Rehydration Solution packets and shaded waiting areas at polling stations.​

Voters are permitted to use any one of 12 documents approved by the Election Commission for identification, including Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence and voter identity card, while non-resident Indian electors are required to present their original passport at polling stations.​

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Harshad Parmar said that this is a festival of democracy. He added that he visited every village, town and city to spread the message and received immense support from the people, and that it is because of everyone's blessings and collective efforts during the campaign.

He said they are confident of winning.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
🙏 Happy to see 4,174 first-time voters in Umreth. These young people are the future of our democracy. Hope they voted thoughtfully and not just under pressure from any party. The arrangements with ORS packets and shaded areas show the administration took the Gujarat heat seriously. Well done, EC!
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Rohit L
BJP candidate Harshad Parmar is confident but let's be honest - by-elections often see lower turnout because of voter fatigue. 54% is decent but not spectacular. The real test will be on May 4 counting day. I just hope people voted based on local issues like water, roads and jobs in Anand district, not just national rhetoric.
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Arun Y
Impressive security arrangements - 500 police personnel plus 3 CRPF companies for a single constituency! That's serious. But it's good that the EC is ensuring peaceful voting. My only concern is why 12 different ID documents are allowed? Aadhaar and voter ID should be enough. Too many options can create confusion at polling booths.
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Ryan S
54.43% turnout in a by-election is average by Indian standards. In the US, that would be celebrated as a great number! 😄 But seriously, the heat in Gujarat in April is no joke - I've experienced it. Kudos to the officials for providing water, ORS and shade. Every vote counts, especially in a close contest.
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Aman W
Nice to see NRIs can vote with their original passports. But how many NRIs actually turn up? In my experience, very few. The EC should explore online voting options for NRIs to increase participation. Also,

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