Voting Completed for 8,326 Gram Panchayats in Gujarat

The Gujarat State Election Commission held elections for 8,326 gram panchayats on June 22. Voting took place from 7 AM to 6 PM. Approximately 8.1 million voters participated in this election. Results are expected to be announced on June 25.

In the Panchmahal district, voters faced difficulties at the Saradiya gram panchayat due to only one polling station being available. Long queues formed, even with just one hour left for voting. This caused concerns that voting would continue for more than an hour after the scheduled time.

Previously, there were two polling stations at this location. Despite requests for an additional station, only one was allocated, leading to significant frustration among voters.

In the Dangs district, a father and son were competing for the position of sarpanch in the Galkund gram panchayat, showcasing fierce competition.

In Kutch district, voting took place for the first time in three years. However, there was a violent incident in the Chitror village during the elections, which involved a clash between a candidate and a local. The police intervened, and a video of the incident went viral on social media.

In the Dahod district, there was chaos in the Moti Handi village during voting when 43 ballots went missing. Voting had to be halted due to a scuffle at the polling booth. The incident prompted officials, including the district police chief, to arrive at the scene to restore order.

In Morbi, a verbal dispute occurred between police and a candidate when the candidate was asked to leave the polling area. Eventually, other officials intervened to resolve the situation.

Notably, voting did not occur in the Kadi, Jotana, Bhensaan, Visavadar, Junagadh rural, and Bagsara talukas due to by-elections scheduled for the assembly seats. These elections are expected to be held after Diwali.

In the Manglapur gram panchayat, voting was ongoing with a significant turnout, especially among women and youth. Voters formed long lines early in the morning, showing great enthusiasm for the election process.