The second phase of elections in Gujarat on Thursday will see polling held for 93 assembly constituencies across 14 districts in northern and central regions of the state, with a host of VVIPs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, descending on Ahmedabad to cast their vote.
Meanwhile, in the so-called 'dry' state of Gujarat, the police and administration have seized around Rs 53 crore worth of goods for violation of the state's liquor prohibition policy. The seizure was carried out as a special drive and a part of the election procedure.
Special deployment of the police has been made for the elections and for law and order.
File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi. PTI
The second phase will see 851 candidates contest for the 93 assembly seats. Elections will be held in Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, Dahod, Kheda, Anand, Vadodara and Chhota Udepur districts from 8 am to 5 pm. A total of 25,575 polling booths have been set up in 14,523 places.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Gujarat's office has completed all the necessary procedures and claimed to be fully prepared for the day.
Apart from the 112 general observers deployed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the Gujarat elections, 70 counting observers have been appointed by the ECI for counting of votes registered in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) which will be carried out on 18 December in 37 selected regions of the state.
To take care of the law and order situation, the ECI has deployed hundreds of companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), 12 companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 19 more companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) for the election.
Modi will be casting his vote at Nishan Vidyalaya in Ranip area of Ahmedabad, while Amit Shah will be in the city to cast his vote from his former state assembly constituency, Naranpura. Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitely will cast his vote from Vejalpur region of Ahmedabad.
Former deputy prime minister and senior BJP leader LK Advani too will be in Ahmedabad to cast his vote from Khanpur area. The sitting MLA from Abdasa and Congress candidate from Mandvi, Shaktisinh Gohil will be casting his vote in Gandhinagar.
State Congress President Bharatsinh Solanki will exercise his voting right in Borsad town of Kheda district. Another Congress candidate Siddharth Patel will be casting his vote from Dabhoi.
During elections in the second phase, 1,700 of the critical poling booths will be covered under the web casting with constant monitoring of these booths.
On the seizures made, Additional Director General of Police (DGP) adminstration, Mohan Jha said, "Since the date of announcement of the assembly polls, the administration has seized Rs 23.50 crore worth Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and Rs 30.06 lakh worth of country liquor and confiscated Rs 23.16 crore of other goods like the vehicles used for transportation, amounting to Rs 52.97 crore worth for the violation of the prohibition law that is effective in the state. We have also arrested 26,913 persons for violation of prohibition in 33,191 cases."
Jha said, "Under the law, the police have filed 1,59,486 cases under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Out of the total 56, 490 licensed arms in the state, 51,974 have submitted, while 4,436 are exempted with remaining only 80 arms that have not been submitted. The police have issued non bailable warrants to 60,989 persons and also confiscated 92 illegal arms, 122 cartridges and 100 grams of explosives."
The Flying Squad and the Static Surveillance Teams (SST) have seized Rs 2.52 crore of unaccounted cash in 22 cases and in five cases bullion worth Rs 4.14 crore have been seized. Out of these 16 cases have been handed over to the Income Tax (IT) department.
Published Date: Dec 14, 2017 05:41 pm | Updated Date: Dec 14, 2017 05:57 pm
Highlights
Don't see any code of conduct being violated, says Constitution expert S Kashyap
Total turnout toll 4 pm at 62.37%, Banaskantha had highest turnout at 66%
93-year-old cast her vote in Viramgam
EC received 44 complaints of MCC violation on Thursday
A total of 44 complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct was received by the CEO Gujarat on Thursday.
"The complaint by the Congress was filed at 11.51 a.m. before Prime Minister Modi even reached the polling booth. The complaint was filed that as a huge gathering was there at the venue, there was a possibility of a road show being held when Modi arrives. We have ordered the Model Code of Conduct team to look into the matter and the Ahmedabad collector will be reporting to us on it," he said.- IANS
Opposition parties say EC's attitude casts ominous shadow on its credibility and integrity of electoral process
59.56% voter turnout recorded till 4 pm, says News18
Clash between Congress and BJP workers in Gujarat's Anand; police take stock of situation
Congress had lodged a similar complaint of MCC violation in 2014
Earlier, on 24 April 2014 while polling for parliamentary election was in progress in different parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh, Narendra Modi had arrived in Varanasi to file his nomination paper as a candidate. Modi did not utter a word but he repeatedly waved to the sea of people accompanying his cavalcade prompting the Congress to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission as a violation of poll code. The poll panel did not find anything objectionable later after conducting an enquiry.
Voting ends for second phase of Gujarat polls
Vadodara polling station being managed by women
Concerned about double standards shown by EC today, says Shashi Tharoor
Meanwhile, Congress, BJP workers clash in Gandhinagar
Voting temporarily stopped in Chhaniyana village as voters alleged EVM rigging
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor slams EC, says poll panel has lost all objectivity
BJP delegation leaves EC office in Delhi
Banaskantha has highest turnout at 49% in north Gujarat: official data
BJP delegation led by Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to meet EC shortly
BB Swain says EC got complaint over Bluetooth
"We received a complaint from a person, apparently when he switched on Bluetooth on his mobile phone it connected to the machine. We are checking this at every place. Senior officers and observers are at the spot to check this," said BB Swain. - NDTV
Delhi Police detains Congress workers who were marching to Election Commission in protest
Gujarat governor OP Kohli casts his vote
Swain says MCC team was also present there, and they are finalising the enquiry report
Have received a complaint regarding MCC violation, says BB Swain, Gujarat chief electoral officer
Voting is underway in Godhra's polling station
Congress workers march to EC in protest over PM Modi's roadshow, stopped by police near Patel Chowk in Delhi
Thakore confident of Congress' victory
OBC leader Alpesh Thakor sounded confident about his party, which is in the Opposition for over two decades, winning this election. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I was the first voter to cast vote at my polling booth. We are committed to change the kind of politics happening in the state. The Congress is set to form the next government that will work for the poor, farmers, women and all sections of the society," he told reporters after coming out of the polling booth. - PTI
Read more here.
2.00 pm voter turnout updates
Panchmahal: 49%
Sabarkantha: 56.38%
Aravalli : 47.66%
Dahod : 43.56%
Anand : 45%
Baroda : 50.29%
Patan: 46.65%
BJP slams Congress for criticising EC
Speaking to media persons, BJP in-charge for Gujarat, Bhupinder Yadav said that the Congress is a classic case of 'grapes going sour", adding that the party had praised the EC for its "integrity" when it delivered a verdict favourable to Ahmed Patel.
Congress to gherao EC office in Delhi
Congress to protest outside the Election Commission office in Delhi at 3.15 pm, India Today reported. According to the report, the Congress will gherao the premises of the apex poll body to protest the inaction against BJP's alleged violations of election code of conduct.
2 pm update
While the voter turnout in central Gujarat's Kheda was 46.42 percent, it was 45 percent in north Gujarat's Banaskantha.
Communal clashes in Vadodara
According to The Indian Express, clashes between two groups have been reported in Savli Assembly Constituency in Vadodara. Few two wheelers were set on fire. According to the report, it may have been a communal clash. Voting has been suspended for a while. Security personnel have reached the area to bring situation under control.
Got two complaints of Bluetooth, says election official
"We have received two complaints regarding presence of Bluetooth in polling booths in Ghatlodia and Mehsana. We sent observers to the spot," Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain was quoted as saying by NDTV.
1.30 pm update
Modi greeted by crowds in Ranip
After casting the vote at the Nishan High School, he showed his inked finger to thousands of supporters who had gathered outside the school in Ranip locality of Sabaramati constituency, amid chants of "Modi Modi".
The prime minister walked a certain distance to greet people standing on both sides of the road outside the polling booth. Later, he stood on the foot-board of his car and waived to the crowd.
PTI
Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting the crowd in Ranip
Video courtesy: Pallavi Rebbapragada
LK Advani casts his vote in Ahmedabad's Khanpur
12 pm update
Voter turnout
Ahmedabad: 23.80%
Baroda: 32.81%
Sabarkantha: 36.56%
Banaskantha 26%
Arvalli 31.95%
Patan: 29 %
Kheda: 29.27%
Mahisagar: 30.96%
Chhota Udaipur: 25.44%
Mehsana: 33.56 %
Huge crowds gather in Ahmedabad's Ranip to see Modi
EC is now a puppet of the BJP, says Congress
Speaking to the press, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that the Election Commission of India is turning a blind eye to the "poll code violations" committed by the BJP.
"The Election Commission is working under pressure from the BJP. It is not working independently of the executive," Surjewala said.
The Congress also claimed that the Election Commission is running away from its constitutional responsibility, adding that the BJP is using EC as a "puppet" to win Gujarat.
"Under Modi era, EC has become the puppet of the BJP. The Election Commissioner has compromised on his integrity. A meek EC is prostrating to the Modi government," Surjewala said.
EC under pressure from PMO, alleges Congress
Ex-cricketer Nayan Mongia votes in Vadodara
Less faulty EVM cases since phase one: EC
Faulty EVMs plague Vadodara
There were several complaints made to the Election Commission against the electronic voting machines in and around Vadodara city. At many places, the polling was halted due to such malfunctioning.
PTI
Gujarat: 39% voter turnout till noon
Up to noon, Sabarkantha district registered a total voter turnout of 36.56 %. In Aravalli district, the total voter turnout till noon was pegged at 31.95 percent. Overall, the voter turnout is around 39 percent till noon.
Anand and Vadodara update
At 12 pm, Anand registered a voter turnout of 28.15 percent while Vadodara registered a voter turnout of 31 percent.
Watch: Modi at the Ranip polling booth to cast his vote
12 pm update
According to latest reports, 26 percent voting was recorded in Banaskantha district, while Ahmedabad district recorded a total turnout of 23.80 percent at the same time.
Senior journalist tweets
Gujarat election officials replacing faulty EVMs
"Out of total machines deployed for second phase of Gujarat Polls, 1.63 percent of the VVPATs were replaced after mock polls. 0.88 percent of the Ballot Units and 0.86 percent of Control Units were also replaced," said BB Swain, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer.
Modi leaves polling booth after casting his vote
Narendra Modi casts his vote in Ranip
Senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil votes in Gandhinagar
Narendra Modi stands in queue to cast vote
11 pm update
At 11 am, the overall voter turnout in Gujarat is 19 percent, CNN News18 is reporting.
Prime minister arrives at Ranip polling booth in Ahmedabad
Narendra Modi all set to vote in Ahmedabad
Voter turnout till 10 am in Gandhinagar
Update on Patan district
Patan : 13.21 %
Radhanpur : 8.30 %
Chansma 12.03 %
Sidhhpur 13.60 %
Patan district : 11.77
Voter turnout update: 10 am
Banaskantha district : 12.5 percent
Kheda district : 13.20 percent
Breakup of Kheda district
Matar: 16.15 percent
Nadiyad: 12.80 percent
Mahemdabad : 10.46 percent
Thasra: 11.87 percent
Mahudha : 14.57 percent
Kapadvanj : 13.51 percent
14% voting in Vadodara district
As of 11 am, Vadodara district has recorded a voter turnout of 14 percent. Meanwhile Ahmedabad district has recorded a turnout of 9.6 percent till 10 am.
Gujarat BJP minister Shankar Chaudhary votes in Banaskantha
Amit Shah votes in Naranoura, urges people to vote in large numbers
Less than 10% voting in Ahmedabad till 10 am
Courtesy: ETV Gujarati
People protest against local BJP candidate in Mehsana
Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki to vote in Anand
Amit Shah and his wife after their vote
Gujarat CEO BB Swain casts his vote
63 complaints of EVM malfunctioning reported, 34 machines replaced: Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain
A total of 63 complaints of EVM malfunctioning have been received so far, Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain said. "Total 34 machines have been replaced while others started functioning after technician attended to them. No incidence of violence reported anywhere," Swain added.
BJP leaders queuing up to vote in Gujarat proves state's importance for Modi
Look at the names of BJP leaders who have voted in Gujarat today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, co-founder of the party and 'margdarshak' LK Advani. The list is enough evidence to show why the electoral outcome of this state matters so much for the BJP. Modi is an MP from Varanasi but while he is based in New Delhi, he has remained a voter from Gandhinagar. Shah boasts of of winning three Assembly elections with record margins. Jaitley is a Rajya Sabha MP from the state. Advani has been an MP from Gandhinagar since 1989. However, this time around, he did not campaign. Gujarat clearly is not just another state and election here is not just another election for the BJP.
Will pro-Hindu makeover for Rahul work for Congress?
Amit Shah going to a temple after casting his vote was interesting. Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi had concluded their election campaign by going to Ambaji and Jagannath temple, respectively. In the run up to elections, Rahul visited over two dozen temples, on an average visiting one temple every second-third day. This election would also be remembered for Congress’s Hindutva push. The party also attempted to give a new identity to Rahul, from “non-Hindu’ to “Shivbhakt” who was “not just a Hindu but a Janeudhari Hindu”. But will pro-Hindu makeover for Rahul Gandhi and Congress work?
6 crore Gujaratis will win on 18 December, says Hardik
Speaking to India Today, PAAS leader Hardik Patel said, "Vote against those who oppressed us. I am confident that six crore Gujaratis will win on 18 December."
Nitin Patel votes in Mehsana
Hardik Patel votes in Viramgam
Gujarat Congress slams BJP's 'vikaas' talk
They tried to talk about vikaas. But after realising that there has been no vikaas, they stopped talking about it. When they spoke about corruption, then there was Jay Shah issue. They have failed in state The reception that Rahul Gandhi has got wil translate into votes and there will be 'navsarjan," Congress spokesperson Nitish Vyas told India Today.
Low voting turnout in Ahmedabad
According to India Today, the voter turnout till 10 am has only been around 9.6 percent.
Low turnout in Juhapura
According to The Economic Times, low turnout was witnessed at almost every booth in Juhapura, the Muslim-dominated area of Ahmedabad. Some booths recorded as low as 20 votes till 9.30am, the report added.
Nitin Patel votes
Speaking to reporters after voting in Mehsana, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said that he prayed to god for his as well as the BJP's victory in the polls. "I prayed to god for more development of Gujarat," Patel added.
Voting delayed by 50 minutes as EVM malfunctioning hits polling centre in Chhota Udaipur
Arun Jaitley votes in Ahmedabad, hopes Gujaratis will continue to support 'vikaas yatra'
Narendra Modi's mother Hiraben votes in Gandhinagar
Arun Jaitley casts vote in Ahmedabad
BJP President Amit Shah leaves after voting
7% voting till 9 am
As per Election Commission reports, Gujarat has recorded seven percent voting till 9 am today.
Former Congress leader and ex-CM Shankersinh Vaghela votes
'People will show their power': Hardik Patel
Speaking to Times Now, PAAS leader Hardik Patel claimed that today's polling will reveal "people's power". Hardik, who has been campaigning against the BJP, however, refused to talk about his former associate Dinesh Bambhania's allegation that he had a 'fixing' with the Congress.
Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki appeals Gujaratis to vote
BJP presdent Amit Shah appeals to Gujaratis to vote for 'vikaas'
BJP president Amit Shah vores in Naranpura
Congress candidates wealthier than BJP counterparts
Parents of Hardik Patel vote in Viramgam
EC orders repolling in 6 booths after officers forget to wipe out mock drill results in phase one
The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday ordered repolling in six booths, where first phase polling was held on 9 December. The repolls will be held on 14 December.
Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat BB Swain said the poll panel has cancelled the results stored in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in six booths in four constituencies of the first phase of elections.
The presiding officers of these booths had forgotten to wipe out the mock drill poll results necessitating the re-election.
IANS
Recap: 2012 election results
In the 2012 Assembly polls, the BJP had won 115 seats, while the Congress bagged 61. The NCP won 2 seats while the JDU won one seat. The now-defunct Gujarat Parivartan Party won two seats.
Modi's mother Hiraben votes in Gandhinagar
EVM malfunctioning issues re-emerge
According to The Indian Express, three polling stations in Vadodara City Assembly Constituency have reported malfunctioning of EVM machines. Election officers have started replacing the machines to start voting.
Former chief minister Anandiben Patel votes in Ahmedabad
Heavy security as voting begins in 93 constituencies
The Election Commission has deployed hundreds of companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, 12 companies of Rapid Action Force and 19 companies of the State Reserve Police Force for the election.
Here is the Gujarat election in numbers
Voting underway in Hardik Patel's hometown of Viramgam
Visuals from Vadodara
Hardik Patel's parents pray ahead of polls
Gujarat BJP stalwarts to vote in Ahmedabad
Former chief minister Anandiben Patel and deputy chief minister Nitin Patel will vote at the Shilaj Primary School at S P Ring Road and at the Sanskar Bharti School at Kadi, respectively, reports News18.
Polling in Gujarat to begin shortly
Interesting piece of trivia
Why no action against PM, Amit Shah? asks Chidambaram
Congress issues 4-point list of demands from EC against Narendra Modi, Amit Shah
The Congress on Wednesday petitioned the Election Commission for action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing an event organised by an industry body on the eve of the final phase of the Gujarat polls where he attacked the main opposition party.
The Congress's complaint came soon after the EC issued a show cause notice to Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi for prima facie violating the model code by giving interviews to Gujarati TV channels, and asked him to reply by 18 December, failing which it will decide the matter without any reference to him.
A delegation of Congress leaders comprising Ashok Gehlot, Anand Sharma and Randeep Surjewala handed over a memorandum to the poll body, demanding strong action against Modi and other BJP leaders for addressing press conferences and events on the eve of last phase of polling in Gujarat.
Amit Shah urges people to vote in large numbers
Pitching the Gujarat Assembly polls as a battle between "dynastic rule and rule of development", BJP chief Amit Shah tonight asked people to vote in large numbers to help the rule of development win.
In a statement on the eve of the second and last phase of the Gujarat assembly polls, he claimed that the state suffered a lot of discrimination and injustice under the UPA government but is now developing fast, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm in the Centre.
PTI
Enrich the festival of democracy, says Modi
P Chidambaram urges Gujarat to not 'underestimate' their vote
Shaktisinh Gohil, Bharatsinh Solanki to vote too
The sitting MLA from Abdasa and Congress candidate from Mandvi, Shaktisinh Gohil will be casting his vote in Gandhinagar. State Congress President Bharatsinh Solanki will exercise his voting right in Borsad town of Kheda district. Another Congress candidate Siddharth Patel will be casting his vote from Dabhoi.
Congress seeks ban on any telecast of any leader casting his or her vote
Congress spokesperson tweets memorandum to EC seeking action against BJP leaders
Star voters in phase 2 of Gujarat polls
Narendra Modi: Ranip, Ahmedabad
Hardik Patel: Viramgam
Alpesh Thakore: Viramgam
Amit Shah: Naranpura, Ahmedabad
LK Advani: Khanpur, Ahmedabad
Ahmed Patel: Piraman Village, Bharuch district
Jignesh Mewani: Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad
North and central Gujarat goes to poll to today
A total of 14 districts in north and central Gujarat will go to polls on Thursday. A total of 25,575 polling booths have been set up in 14,523 places.
851 candidates across 93 Assembly seats
The second phase will see 851 candidates contest for the 93 Assembly seats. Elections will be held in Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, Dahod, Kheda, Anand, Vadodara and Chhota Udepur districts from 8 am to 5 pm.
Ahead of second phase of polling, Rahul Gandhi urges Gujarat to vote for 'Navsarjan'
17:57 (IST)
Don't see any code of conduct being violated, says Constitution expert S Kashyap
17:39 (IST)
Total turnout toll 4 pm at 62.37%, Banaskantha had highest turnout at 66%
17:36 (IST)
93-year-old cast her vote in Viramgam
17:32 (IST)
EC received 44 complaints of MCC violation on Thursday
A total of 44 complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct was received by the CEO Gujarat on Thursday.
"The complaint by the Congress was filed at 11.51 a.m. before Prime Minister Modi even reached the polling booth. The complaint was filed that as a huge gathering was there at the venue, there was a possibility of a road show being held when Modi arrives. We have ordered the Model Code of Conduct team to look into the matter and the Ahmedabad collector will be reporting to us on it," he said.- IANS
17:27 (IST)
Opposition parties say EC's attitude casts ominous shadow on its credibility and integrity of electoral process
17:23 (IST)
59.56% voter turnout recorded till 4 pm, says News18
17:12 (IST)
Clash between Congress and BJP workers in Gujarat's Anand; police take stock of situation
17:03 (IST)
Congress had lodged a similar complaint of MCC violation in 2014
Earlier, on 24 April 2014 while polling for parliamentary election was in progress in different parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh, Narendra Modi had arrived in Varanasi to file his nomination paper as a candidate. Modi did not utter a word but he repeatedly waved to the sea of people accompanying his cavalcade prompting the Congress to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission as a violation of poll code. The poll panel did not find anything objectionable later after conducting an enquiry.
17:01 (IST)
Voting ends for second phase of Gujarat polls
16:59 (IST)
Vadodara polling station being managed by women
16:44 (IST)
Concerned about double standards shown by EC today, says Shashi Tharoor
16:34 (IST)
Meanwhile, Congress, BJP workers clash in Gandhinagar
16:32 (IST)
Voting temporarily stopped in Chhaniyana village as voters alleged EVM rigging
16:30 (IST)
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor slams EC, says poll panel has lost all objectivity
16:23 (IST)
BJP delegation leaves EC office in Delhi
16:22 (IST)
Banaskantha has highest turnout at 49% in north Gujarat: official data
16:19 (IST)
BJP delegation led by Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to meet EC shortly
16:18 (IST)
BB Swain says EC got complaint over Bluetooth
"We received a complaint from a person, apparently when he switched on Bluetooth on his mobile phone it connected to the machine. We are checking this at every place. Senior officers and observers are at the spot to check this," said BB Swain. - NDTV
16:14 (IST)
Delhi Police detains Congress workers who were marching to Election Commission in protest
16:12 (IST)
Gujarat governor OP Kohli casts his vote
16:11 (IST)
Swain says MCC team was also present there, and they are finalising the enquiry report
16:08 (IST)
Have received a complaint regarding MCC violation, says BB Swain, Gujarat chief electoral officer
16:06 (IST)
Voting is underway in Godhra's polling station
16:05 (IST)
Congress workers march to EC in protest over PM Modi's roadshow, stopped by police near Patel Chowk in Delhi
16:04 (IST)
Thakore confident of Congress' victory
OBC leader Alpesh Thakor sounded confident about his party, which is in the Opposition for over two decades, winning this election. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I was the first voter to cast vote at my polling booth. We are committed to change the kind of politics happening in the state. The Congress is set to form the next government that will work for the poor, farmers, women and all sections of the society," he told reporters after coming out of the polling booth. - PTI
Read more here.
15:13 (IST)
15:10 (IST)
2.00 pm voter turnout updates
Panchmahal: 49%
Sabarkantha: 56.38%
Aravalli : 47.66%
Dahod : 43.56%
Anand : 45%
Baroda : 50.29%
Patan: 46.65%
15:06 (IST)
BJP slams Congress for criticising EC
Speaking to media persons, BJP in-charge for Gujarat, Bhupinder Yadav said that the Congress is a classic case of 'grapes going sour", adding that the party had praised the EC for its "integrity" when it delivered a verdict favourable to Ahmed Patel.
14:53 (IST)
Congress to gherao EC office in Delhi
Congress to protest outside the Election Commission office in Delhi at 3.15 pm, India Today reported. According to the report, the Congress will gherao the premises of the apex poll body to protest the inaction against BJP's alleged violations of election code of conduct.
14:45 (IST)
2 pm update
While the voter turnout in central Gujarat's Kheda was 46.42 percent, it was 45 percent in north Gujarat's Banaskantha.
14:29 (IST)
Communal clashes in Vadodara
According to The Indian Express, clashes between two groups have been reported in Savli Assembly Constituency in Vadodara. Few two wheelers were set on fire. According to the report, it may have been a communal clash. Voting has been suspended for a while. Security personnel have reached the area to bring situation under control.
14:24 (IST)
Got two complaints of Bluetooth, says election official
"We have received two complaints regarding presence of Bluetooth in polling booths in Ghatlodia and Mehsana. We sent observers to the spot," Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain was quoted as saying by NDTV.
14:20 (IST)
1.30 pm update
14:08 (IST)
Modi greeted by crowds in Ranip
After casting the vote at the Nishan High School, he showed his inked finger to thousands of supporters who had gathered outside the school in Ranip locality of Sabaramati constituency, amid chants of "Modi Modi".
The prime minister walked a certain distance to greet people standing on both sides of the road outside the polling booth. Later, he stood on the foot-board of his car and waived to the crowd.
PTI
13:59 (IST)
Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting the crowd in Ranip
Video courtesy: Pallavi Rebbapragada
13:53 (IST)
LK Advani casts his vote in Ahmedabad's Khanpur
13:51 (IST)
12 pm update
Voter turnout
Ahmedabad: 23.80%
Baroda: 32.81%
Sabarkantha: 36.56%
Banaskantha 26%
Arvalli 31.95%
Patan: 29 %
Kheda: 29.27%
Mahisagar: 30.96%
Chhota Udaipur: 25.44%
Mehsana: 33.56 %
13:41 (IST)
Huge crowds gather in Ahmedabad's Ranip to see Modi
13:35 (IST)
EC kept on delaying our complaints, says Congress
13:34 (IST)
EC is now a puppet of the BJP, says Congress
Speaking to the press, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that the Election Commission of India is turning a blind eye to the "poll code violations" committed by the BJP.
"The Election Commission is working under pressure from the BJP. It is not working independently of the executive," Surjewala said.
The Congress also claimed that the Election Commission is running away from its constitutional responsibility, adding that the BJP is using EC as a "puppet" to win Gujarat.
"Under Modi era, EC has become the puppet of the BJP. The Election Commissioner has compromised on his integrity. A meek EC is prostrating to the Modi government," Surjewala said.
13:22 (IST)
EC under pressure from PMO, alleges Congress
13:03 (IST)
Ex-cricketer Nayan Mongia votes in Vadodara
13:02 (IST)
Less faulty EVM cases since phase one: EC
12:59 (IST)
Faulty EVMs plague Vadodara
There were several complaints made to the Election Commission against the electronic voting machines in and around Vadodara city. At many places, the polling was halted due to such malfunctioning.
PTI
12:53 (IST)
Gujarat: 39% voter turnout till noon
Up to noon, Sabarkantha district registered a total voter turnout of 36.56 %. In Aravalli district, the total voter turnout till noon was pegged at 31.95 percent. Overall, the voter turnout is around 39 percent till noon.
12:44 (IST)
Anand and Vadodara update
At 12 pm, Anand registered a voter turnout of 28.15 percent while Vadodara registered a voter turnout of 31 percent.
12:42 (IST)
Watch: Modi at the Ranip polling booth to cast his vote
12:41 (IST)
12 pm update
According to latest reports, 26 percent voting was recorded in Banaskantha district, while Ahmedabad district recorded a total turnout of 23.80 percent at the same time.
12:32 (IST)
Senior journalist tweets
12:30 (IST)
Gujarat election officials replacing faulty EVMs
"Out of total machines deployed for second phase of Gujarat Polls, 1.63 percent of the VVPATs were replaced after mock polls. 0.88 percent of the Ballot Units and 0.86 percent of Control Units were also replaced," said BB Swain, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer.