45.05% turnout as re-poll held peacefully in Aheri

NAGPUR: Re-polling held at four

booths

in Etapalli taluka in the Maoist-affected

Gadchiroli

district on Monday was peaceful, as per official information reaching here.


The turnout during the

re-poll

was 45.05% taking the overall voting percentage figure for Gadchiroli-Chimur Lok Sabha constituency to 71.98.

The chief electoral officer of Maharashtra had announced the re-poll for Wateli, Gardewada, Wagheturi and Puskoti, all in Aheri assembly segment, because election officials could not reach the booths on earlier polling day, April 11, when five incidents of Maoist attacks were reported in Etapalli taluka.

However, on Monday, keeping security aspects in view, the four booths were set up at one place in Aheri for the respective villagers. “This was the best option available in the prevailing situation,” said district collector and returning officer Shekhar Singh.

The low turnout on Monday’s re-poll was because

voters

had to travel a long distance of 15 to 20 km to cast votes. “The

police

did make arrangements for transport and political parties also arranged it,” said BJP candidate

Ashok Nete

. He was confident of retaining the seat against Congress nominee Dr Namdeo Usendi. “The victory margin may be reduced from last time’s 2.36 lakh by a lakh or so. But I am sure of victory again,” said Nete

Despite Maoist threats and boycott call, the district has witnessed overall 71.98% voting — the highest turnout in Vidarbha where polling was held for seven Lok Sabha seats in the first phase on April 11.