Polling for the Municipal Council elections across six towns of Hoshiarpur district concluded peacefully on Tuesday with an overall voter turnout of 66.21 per cent. Though minor arguments and allegations were reported from a few polling stations, no major untoward incident took place during the election process. The fate of all candidates has now been sealed in ballot boxes and counting will take place on May 29.
According to the final figures released by the election authorities, Garhdiwala recorded the highest polling percentage at 75.03, followed by Hariana with 68.8 per cent, Urmur Tanda 67.07 per cent, Mukerian 65.90 per cent, Garhshankar 65.34 per cent and Dasuya 63.18 per cent.
In Garhshankar, voting for 13 wards was conducted at 16 polling stations. Voting remained largely peaceful despite minor clashes reported at two booths. CPM leaders alleged that supporters of the ruling party violated election norms by bringing voters to polling stations in vehicles carrying party flags. They also accused influential leaders of using pressure tactics to support their relatives contesting the elections.
Despite the allegations, polling continued smoothly. Women and senior citizens participated enthusiastically, with several elderly voters arriving at booths in wheelchairs and with assistance from family members.
At the Hariana Municipal Council, polling for 11 wards witnessed strong enthusiasm from the early morning hours. However, many voters faced difficulty locating their names due to revised voter lists, leading to resentment among residents. Leaders of different political parties visited polling booths during the day and expressed confidence about the victory of their candidates.
In Urmur Tanda, polling for 15 wards was held peacefully under tight security arrangements. Officials stated that voting remained brisk during the morning and evening hours, while the afternoon witnessed comparatively slower polling due to heat. Around 68 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise.
Mukerian also witnessed peaceful polling with enthusiastic participation from the youth and senior citizens. Long queues were seen outside polling stations throughout the day. Leaders from the BJP, AAP, Congress and Akali Dal visited booths, reviewed arrangements and claimed victory for their party candidates.
