Counting begins for votes polled in Vidisha, Malehra

Bhopal, Nov 2 (UNI) Amid tight security, counting began at 0800 hrs today for the votes polled in the by-elections in Vidisha Lok Sabha and Malehra Assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh.

Official sources said counting for votes polled in Vidisha seat was taking place at three district headquarters of Raisen, Sehore and Vidisha. The results will be announced by district election officer.

Counting for votes cast in Malehra seat was being done at Chhatarpur district. Results of both seats were expected to arrive by noon.

Keeping their fingers crossed, political observers are awaiting results for the by-elections. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's reputation is at stake in Vidisha, while victory of Bharatiya Jan Shakti candidate Rekha Yadav in Malehra seat is crucial for former Chief Minister Uma Bharti.

About 47.68 percent of the 13.15 lakh electorate cast their votes in Vidisha, which fell vacant due to resignation by Mr Chouhan, while 62.55 percent of the 1.84 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in Malehra in Chhatarpur district.

Malehra sear was rendered vacant due to resignation by former Chief Minister Uma Bharti. The polling was held on October 30.

State PHE Minister Rampal Singh (BJP), Mrs Rajshri Singh (Congress) and Mr Raghunandan Sharma (Bhartiya Jan Shakti) were among the 10 candidates in Vidisha. Former CPI MLA Kapoor Chand Ghuwara is in the fray in 22-cornered contest in Malehra BJP nominee with Ms Rekha Yadav of BJS and Mr Jagdish Shukla (Cong) as his main rivals.

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