Red zone Gadchiroli may break polling record, cross 72%

GADCHIROLI: Poll percentage in Gadchiroli-Chimur Lok Sabha constituency may surpass the record 72% of 2019, show trends and feedback on voters’ turnout this time. Even in 2014, the constituency had reported 70% polling.

The final voter turnout is yet to be declared as polling parties are still returning from some highly sensitive pockets of Gadchiroli, Aheri and Armori, especially the ones adjoining People’s Liberation Guerilla Army, a Maoist base in Abujmarh.

Like in 2014 and 2019, the constituency has already topped the state with 70.38% polling (as on Friday) due to high voter turnout in its four assembly segments — Brahmapuri (75.10 %), Chimur (74.41%), Amgaon (69.24%) and Aheri (66.83%).
Collector Sanjay Daine said voters turned up to exercise their franchise despite reports of heat wave. “Adequate medical arrangements were in place at far off places to tackle any emergency.”

SP Neelotpal said EVMs are safely being shifted to the strongroom. “There are no delays but polling parties and EVMs are being shifted with due precaution. We have deployed maximum helicopters this year but certain distances have to be covered on foot under high risk,” said Neelotpal. Deputy district election officer Vivek Ghodke said lives were saved from heat wave due to early and focused responses.

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