64 per cent turnout in Madhya Pradesh polls
27 Nov 2008, 2101 Hrs

Sixty-four per cent voter turnout was witnessed in Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections today

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New Delhi, Nov 27 Sixty-four per cent voter turnout was witnessed in Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections today.

Deputy Election Commissioner R. Balakrishnan said while briefing the media in New Delhi today that the polling was by and large peaceful except for few minor incidents of violence.

Reportedly, in Tikamgarh District, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Sunil Nayak was shot dead by some unidentified assailants. Curfew has been imposed in Prithvipur area of the district to maintain law and order.

Polling for the 230-member of Madhya Pradesh Assembly began today.

A record number of 3179 candidates, including 226 women and 1369 independents, are in the fray for this year's election.

The election will decide the fate of prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bharatiya Janashakti (BJ) chief Uma Bharti and senior BJP Minister Babulal Gaur.

Senior Congress Ministers, including former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, are giving the polls a miss. Over 260 police and paramilitary companies have been deployed across the state to maintain tight security during the casting of votes. The Election Commission has deployed police officers of the rank of inspector-general in various districts such as Betul, Datia, Harda, Tikamgarh, Ratlam and Sidhi to ensure law and order. Over 400 micro observers have also been deployed across the state to keep a watchful eye. Meanwhile, patrolling in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh has been increased to check the movement of unauthorized vehicles and persons.

Meanwhile, campaigning for Delhi Assembly polls came to an end on Thursday evening. The polling will be held on Saturday. (ANI)