Ayodhya echoes with EVM beeps in first polls after Ram's consecration

AYODHYA/FAIZABAD: Besides the tolling of temple bells, the temple town of Ayodhya echoed with the beeps of EVMs since early Monday morning as voters came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

By 6pm, Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency had registered 59.1% turnout as against the final figure of 59.21% in 2019. The number of registered voters increased from 17,83,699 in 2019 to 19,27,759 in 2024.

While two-time BJP MP Lallu Singh is looking for another term, nine-time MLA and former minister Awadhesh Prasad is challenging him as SP candidate.

In a contrasting imagery that unfolded at Asharfi Bhawan polling station, seers, donning saffron attire and 'tilak' on their foreheads, stood alongside the members of minority community to wait for their turn.

Both the sides exchanged pleasantries with 'Jai Ram ji ki' and discussed hot weather and humidity rather than political affiliations.

While seers stay in mutts, ashrams, and temples in every corner of Ayodhya, minority community members living in Sayyad Waada and Katra come to vote at Asharfi Bhawan during election time.

Raghuvansh Mani, who teaches English at a govt degree college, said: "Polling was peaceful, but I am personally disappointed over the turnout. It should have gone up considerably after the inauguration of Ram temple. We all need to introspect and work towards increased participation of people in the electoral process."

Founder of Bajrang Dal and former MP, Vinay Katiyar (67), said: "The entire country takes the name of Ram. We are winning across the country by the grace of Lord Ram. Who can defeat the saffron party candidate in the land of Ram?"

Out of the five assembly constituencies under Faizabad constituency, Dariyabad in the neighbouring Barabanki district recorded the highest turnout (63.34%), followed by Bikapur (59.61%). Rudauli, Milkipur and Ayodhya witnessed 57.91%, 57.11% and 56.32% turnout, respectively.