Markets wear deserted look as residents throng polling booths

Although the panchayat elections were not held on symbols of political parties, its impact was visible across town on the day of voting today. Shopkeepers, in the markets, and roadside vendors eagerly awaited customers all day. The bustling main bus stand of the city, which was full of people until yesterday, wore a deserted look today. Buses which were packed to the brim with no space to even stand, were today seen waiting for passengers.

The enthusiasm among people towards voting can be analysed from the official data that states that between 8 am and 10 am, 16.26 per cent votes were polled in Abohar block and 18.10 per cent in Khuian Sarwar block. Till 12 noon, polling was recorded at 28.25 per cent in Abohar and 29.50 per cent in Khuian Sarwar. The percentage shot up substantially to 51.35 in Abohar and 49.40 per cent in Khuian Sarwar.

Voters thronged the beautifully developed Government Primary School polling station in Burjmuhar Colony village located on the outskirts of the town near the Abohar-Fazilka stretch of the highway.

Elections were held for 58 posts of sarpanches and 498 panches in Khuian Sarwar block. In Abohar block, the elections were held to elect 85 sarpanches and 671 panches. Four villages elected panchayats unanimously In Abohar block, while two in Khuian Sarwar block.