High turnout worries Congress in HP

Political analysts feel that higher polling percentage, except in old Himachal Pradesh, had always gone against the ruling parties. Since Congress enjoys a strong base in old Himachal and most of its heavyweights had roots in this belt, heavy turnout goes in their favour. But, in Kangra and other areas, Congresscannot expect the gains. In Mandi areas, presence of former Union minister Sukh Ram in the poll fray could also jolt the Congress.

In 1993 Assembly elections, the turnout was 71 per cent and since the Congress had mainly capitalised on BJP non-performance and its anti-people policies, it romped home to form the government. Fighting Assembly elections in 1985, in strong pro-Congress wave, the Congress swept the polls comfortably. The poll percentage was 70.36 per cent. Observers say since there was no pro-Congress wave and BJP tried to capitalise on regional issues and discrimination against lower areas, the high poll percentage is bound to cause worries to the Congress.

BILASPUR: The voter turnout in the district yesterday was 70.6 per cent. Interestingly, female voters outnumbered males. About 81,718 women cast their votes as against 75,106 males from a total electorate of 2,09470.

Kotkehloor constituency has earned two distinctions. This segment has a polling average of 78 per cent, while Teprapolling station, situated in this segment, recorded 92 per cent polling, the highest in the district.Surprisingly, Changar polling station in the town recorded merely 32 per cent polling despite the fact that government officers and employees reside here.

Prabhidevi, a 110-year-old woman cast her vote at Jangla polling station. Devmudevi (110) and Narainu (107) cast their votes at Namohal.Eight blind persons also exercised their franchise. Maheshkumari, a resident of Swarghat area in Ghumarwin, attempted to cast a forged vote but was arrested.

NAHAN: The overall polling average in the district touched a high of 75 per cent. The highest polling was recorded at Bhogpur Simbalwara where 98.32 per cent cast their votes, while the lowest was recorded at Naya Bazar Nahan where 41.18 per cent cast their votes.

The break-up of the five segments is as follows: 71.67 per cent in Nahan; 77 per cent in Pachhad; 73.83 per cent in Renuka; 76 per cent in Paonta Doon and 78 per cent in Shillai.

CHAMBA:According to reports reaching here, about 65 per cent polling was recorded in 398 polling stations for four assembly and Kangra Vidhan Sabha seat. The election of the fifth assembly seat of Bharmour-Pangi has been postponed till June. About 2,14,835 voters exercised their franchise but bad condition of roads confined over 35 per cent voters to their homes. Early in the day polling was thin, but by noon people began to pour out. Long queues of and women were seen at most stations.

While shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in Chamba and Dalhousie towns, in other areas it was business as usual.

Many polling parties were seen waiting for government vehicles to carry them to the centres. Some parties who were walking on foot, complained to the Press that the Election Department had failed to provide them with transport facilities.

No official of the Election Department was available for comments.

SOLAN: District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner B.S.Nainta said that thepolling averages for the five assembly segments are as follows: 78.47 per cent Doon, 71.25 per cent in Arki, 65.02 per cent in Kasauli, 78.47 per cent in Nalagarh and 66.30 per cent in Solan. The overall percentage in the district was 71.83 per cent.