New Delhi, April 19 (HS): The celebration of democracy continues in the country and voters are casting their votes in large numbers across the country in the first phase. More than 35 percent voting has taken place till 1 pm.

In the first phase, voting is going on smoothly and peacefully in all 21 states and union territories. Voters were seen standing in long queues at polling stations waiting for their turn to cast their votes as voting began simultaneously in 102 parliamentary constituencies at 7 am today. This sequence continues even after noon.

According to the Election Commission, successful results of efforts to ensure inclusive elections were visible in the scenes from polling stations today. Voters, especially from the vulnerable tribal groups, came to polling stations across the country jubilant to exercise their franchise. The Great Andamanese tribe from the Strait Islands in South Andaman also enthusiastically participated in the voting.

Barring a few sporadic incidents of violence, voting in West Bengal is largely going on in a peaceful and orderly manner. There are reports of peaceful voting even in leftist extremism areas in Chhattisgarh.

According to the Election Commission, till 1 pm in the first phase, the voter turnout was 35.7 on all two seats of Arunachal Pradesh, 45.12 on 14 seats of Assam, 32.41 on four seats of Bihar, 42.57 on 11 seats of Chhattisgarh, 44.18 on six seats of Madhya Pradesh, 32.36 on five seats, 45.68 on two seats of Manipur, 48.91 on all two seats of Meghalaya, 36.37 on one seat of Mizoram, 38.83 on one seat of Nagaland, 33.73 on 12 seats of Rajasthan, 39.43 on all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu, Tripura. One seat of Uttar Pradesh 53.04, eight seats of Uttar Pradesh 36.96, 29.91 seats of Lakshadweep, 44.95 seats of Puducherry, 37.33 seats of all five seats of Uttarakhand, 50.96 seats of three seats of West Bengal, 35.7 seats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. And in one seat of Jammu and Kashmir, 43.11 percent voting took place.

Apart from this, 40.61 percent voting took place for Arunachal Pradesh Assembly and 36.88 percent voting took place for Sikkim Assembly. If we talk about by-elections, 35.14 percent voting took place in Wilvancode seat of Tamil Nadu and 43.01 percent voting took place in Ramnagar seat of Tripura.

The Commission has laid special emphasis on turning voting into an enjoyable and memorable experience. Ensured minimum facilities like water, shed, toilets, ramps, volunteers, wheelchairs and electricity are in place to ensure that every voter, including the elderly and disabled persons, can easily cast their vote.

Adequate number of security forces have been deployed. 41 helicopters, 84 special trains and about one lakh four-wheelers have been deployed by the Commission. Who will ensure the movement of officers and security personnel at the polling stations.

According to the Commission, web casting is being done in about 50 percent of the polling stations. 661 observers are deployed. Of these, there are 127 general observers, 67 police observers and 167 expenditure observers. They will play the role of eyes, ears and nose of the Election Commission. 1375 check posts have been made on the interstate borders and 162 check posts on the international border, so that there is no movement of illegal materials.

Hindusthan Samachar/ Indrani/Manoj