ASSEMBLY POLL 2024: Booths in high-rises increased from 52 to 126 in Gurugram to boost polling

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, August 24

Aimed at achieving 75 per cent polling in the Vidhan Sabha election, the Gurugram Administration has increased the number of polling booths in high-rise societies. The Gurugram Assembly segment records one of the poorest polling percentages and its the society and high-rise residents who are blamed for it. The administration, as part of the ECI directive, has set up 52 polling booths in the societies itself to promote ‘vote from doorstep’.

It proved to be a game changer as polling touched 60 per cent in many areas as the residents gave thumbs up to the convenience at these booths. Inspired by this, the administration has now raised the total number of booths in societies to 126 for the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“We managed to turn around low-voting percentage in areas which were conventionally known for poor turnout with these society booths. It was not just the society residents but even people from nearby areas who voted here, citing shorter queues and better facilities as the reason to vote. We will replicate this in the Vidhan Sabha elections,” said District Election Officer-cum-DC Gurugram Nishant Yadav.

Society booths turned around percentage

We managed to turn around the low-voting percentage in areas which were conventionally known for poor turnout with these society booths. It was not just the society residents but even people from nearby areas who voted here, citing shorter queues and better facilities as the reason to vote. We will replicate this in the Vidhan Sabha elections. — Nishant Yadav, District Election Officer-cum-Gurugram DC

The maximum number of these booths will be in Badshahpur Assembly segment with 71 booths in high rises followed by 42 in Gurugram, nine in Pataudi and four in Sohna. Yadav said Gurugram district had in all got 234 new polling booths, out of these, 63 were transferred booths, which were in dilapidated condition and shifted to new premises.

“There were 63 booths in the Lok Sabha elections, which reported poor voting performance as they were in damaged buildings such as very old schools or community centres. We have got them shifted to nearby spots and hope that it will boost polling too,” said Yadav. He along with his team also visited the strongrooms and counting areas premises to inspect the arrangements.