Jump in voter turnout in 117 LS seats

New Delhi, Apr 24: Almost all the constituencies spread across 12 states which went to

in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections today recorded a higher turnout as compared to the last general elections. Barring a few incidents in

and

, polling in the 117 constituencies was by and large peaceful, the Election Commission said here.

Though the six constituencies of West Bengal today recorded an impressive voter turnout of 82 per cent, it was lower than the 83.95 per cent recorded in 2009. In Assam's six constituencies, the turnout was 77.05 per cent as compared to 71.6 per cent in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital recorded a lower turnout as compared to last polls

A police constable was killed and another injured in Assam's Kokrajhar district when a mob tried to snatch the voting machine following a clash between supporters of two candidates, Deputy EC Alok Shukla told reporters.

In Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag constituency, the turnout was recorded at 28 per cent. But it was higher than last general elections' 26.94 per cent. Deputy EC Vinod Zutshi said some boys as young as eight years old pelted stones at security personnel, polling stations and polling personnel. Some minor injuries to securitymen were reported. Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital recorded a lower turnout as compared to the last elections.

While in Chennai North, the turnout was 64.17 per cent, it was 64.91 in 2009. In Chennai Central, the turnout was 60.91 per cent as compared to 61.04 in the last elections. Similarly, in Chennai South, the turnout was 58.17 per cent against 62.66 per cent recorded in 2009.

In Tamil Nadu, the turnout was 73 per cent. It was the same in 2009. All the 39 constituencies went for polls in a single phase. In Mumbai, while the turnout was average, it was higher than last general elections.

PTI