Heavy voter turnout of 63-65 pc recorded in Gujarat

New Delhi, Dec 16 (UNI) The Election Commission said a 63 to 65 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the second and final phase of polling for 95 constituencies spread over 11 districts in South and Central Gujarat today.

Polling was still taking place at certain places even after the closing time of 1700 hrs as people were still standing in queues to exercise their franchise, Deputy Election Commissioner Jai Priya Prakash told reporters at Nirvachan Bhavan.

Mr Prakash said, ''Barring one or two incidents of violence in Godhra, Ahmedabad and other parts, the polling process was largely peaceful and brisk.'' Mr Prakash, flanked by another Deputy Commissioner R Balakrishnan, said as many as 5,825 general, expenditure and micro observers were deployed to oversee the arrangement of polling in the state.

He said 574 companies of the paramilitary forces besides the state law enforcement agencies were deployed to maintain law and order in the state during the elections.

He added that 6700 video cameras were put up at sensitive polling booths to keep a check on any untoward incident.

Replying a specific query the deputy election commissioner said 53-55 polling was recorded in Godhra.

UNI