British envoy visits Nagpur to 'experience' Indian elections

, April 10: British High Commissioner Sir James David Bevan today visited Nagpur to witness the polling process in Naxal-hit Vidarbha region during the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in

.

"I am here to observe the wonderful experience of polling in the world's largest democracy and enjoying it," the senior diplomat told PTI, adding Britain is also keenly following Indian elections.

On why he chose to come to Nagpur when he lived in Delhi, where seven LS seats went to polls today, James said he wanted to visit other places in the country to keenly watch the democratic process.

James arrived here this morning from Delhi and drove straight to the residence of former BJP national president Nitin Gadkari who is contesting his first Lok Sabha election this time from here. He spent nearly half-an-hour with the 56-year-old stalwart at 'Gadkariwada' in Mahal.

Later, James visited some of the polling booths. Gadkari, accompanied by his wife Kanchan and the family, cast his vote in Town Hall polling centre amid media glare. Sitting MP Vilas Muttemwar too, accompanied by his wife Chhaya and other family members, exercised his franchise in a West Nagpur booth.

James was expected to call on Muttemwar also. He had sought time, Muttemwar said. Ten Lok Sabha constituencies in Vidarbha where polling is underway since 7 AM are Nagpur, Ramtek, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur,Akola, Amravati, Buldana, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim.

PTI