With 82.06 per cent in the first and 80.01 per cent in the second phase of the Gram Panchayat polls, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra recorded record voter turnout. This was possible due to the combined efforts of the Gadchiroli Police and District Administration, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said.
The Gram Panchayat elections were held at 920 booths in 12 talukas across Maharashtra in two phases. While the first phase was slated for January 15, voting for the second phase was conducted on January 28.
Residents of Gadchiroli, a region marred by Naxal-induced violence, reaffirmed their belief by turning out to vote in large numbers. Javeli Budruk was one village where Gram Panchayat elections were held after 54 years.
The #grampanchayatelections2021 this year were held in 12 Talukas in 2 phases at 920 election booths. The 1st phase of the election was held on 15th January while the 2nd phase was held on 28th January. The people of #Gadchiroli displayed their faith in the democratic process. pic.twitter.com/5vq4yxjYUy
— MAHA INFO CENTRE (@micnewdelhi) February 14, 2021
According to election officials, 82.06 per cent voter turnout was recorded during Phase 1 and 80.01 per cent during the second phase of the Gram Panchayat polls. In fact, 81.19 per cent of women turned out to vote in comparison with 74.37 per cent of male voters.
In order to prepare for peaceful elections, the Gadchiroli police undertook special measures for 177 hypersensitive booths, 377 sensitive booths, and 527 general booths. The police and commandos transported election-related equipment and escorted election parties consisting of officials from various government departments through laborious jungles.