Enthusiastic voter turns out in large number in Assam

Guwahati, Apr 11: Voters, dressed in colourful attire, turned out in large numbers in front of the polling stations as serpentine queues were seen in almost all the 64 assembly constituencies of Assam going to poll today for the second phase.

From an old man carried by his son, to a 90-year old lady with a walking stick, people came out in large numbers even before the scheduled time of 7 am to press the EVM button.

This correspondent who visited several polling stations falling under Dispur and Guwahati (East) segments found people dressed in colourful attires already in the celebratory mood in the run-up to Bihu, a major festival in these parts.

"Yes, for me this is sort of pre-Bihu celebration accentuated by the bright weather. It (voting) is no less an occasion for us," said 18-year old Debahoti Sarma, a college student and first time voter, standing with her peers before a booth.

Asked about her preference of the candidate, Sarma said she would want a sincere person having dedication to solve the various problems plaguing the state.

Barring minor incident of clashes, polling was by and large peaceful even as tight security was maintained in the polling booths, official reports said.

PTI