More than 60 per cent polling in Dhumakot

Dehra Dun, Aug 29 (UNI) More than 60 per cent polling was recorded today in the by-poll for the Dhumakot Assembly seat in Pauri district of Uttarakhand.

Polling began at 0800 hrs amid tight security arrangement.

Out of 53,804 electors including 27,910 women, 60 per cent turned up for voting in 82 polling booths.

The main contest is between Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Major General (Retd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, who is also the Chief Minister of the state, and Congress candidate Surendra Singh Negi.

Besides, one independent candidate is also in the fray. The counting is slated to be held on September two.

The Dhumakot seat had fallen vacant following resignation by Lt Gen (Retd) Tej Pal Singh Rawat, an area MLA from Congress who later joined BJP.

Mr Khanduri, who is presently MP from Pauri has an obligation to earn State Assembly membership to continue as Chief Minister in the state. He was sworn in as Chief Minister in early March.

UNI