Braving heat, over 78% vote in Jharsuguda bypoll

BHUBANESWAR/JHARSUGUDA: Braving the scorching heat, voters came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the Jharsuguda bypoll, resulting in a high turnout of 78% till reports last came in. The bypoll was necessitated due to the murder of then health minister and BJD MLA Naba Kisore Das.
"As per early estimates, more than 78% citizens exercised their voting rights.The final figures, however, may change as data was still being compiled," Jharsuguda district collector Aboli Naravane said.

The constituency had recorded a turnout of 78.9% in the 2019 assembly election.
Chief electoral officer (CEO) Nikunja Dhal said there was no instance of voting being affected though a few incidents of minor violence outside polling stations were reported.
As per estimates till 5 pm, the number of women who voted was 77,000, which was higher than 74,000 men who voted, sealing the fates of nine candidates in EVMs. The CEO said young voters and disabled people too participated in the democratic process with great enthusiasm.
The poll authorities had deployed men to sprinkle water on voters standing in queues to ensure a cool experience on a day Jharsuguda recorded the maximum temperature of 42.9 degrees Celsius, the highest in the state.
Cold drinking water and fruit juice were served to voters particularly in the 40 model booths. Women voters were welcomed with flowers in the 26 pink booths, which were managed exclusively by women.
Many student volunteers deployed at various polling booths were seen assisting senior citizens and other needy people. Simran Thirani, an MBA graduate and a first-time voter from Marwari Para, said she had a great experience. "I am thrilled to have participated in the democratic process. The arrangements made at the polling station were excellent, taking into account the heat. The ambience was very pleasant. The polling staff were cooperative and helpful," she said.
BJD candidate Dipali Das and BJP's Tankadhar Tripathy both exuded confidence the result will go in their favour while Congress nominee Tarun Pandey said he will welcome the people's verdict without speculating in advance. The counting will be held on Saturday.