Nagpur: The first phase of Lok Sabha elections, the largest democratic exercise in the world, ended on April 11 with voters across seven constituencies in Vidarbha including Nagpur exercised their franchise to elect their representatives.
After intense campaigning by political parties, which witnessed no-holds-barred attacks against leaders, voting began in Nagpur and other six constituencies began at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Hundreds of voters were still in line and allowed to vote even after the deadline.
Polling in Nagpur Lok Sabha saw a turnout of 54.74 percent. Total 11,82,507 voters including 6,20,384 male and 5,62,112 female voters exercised their franchise till the end. 11 third gender voters also turned up at the polling centres.
Nagpur Lok Sabha seat comprises total 21,60,217 voters including 10,96,329 male voters, 10,63,811 female voters and 77 third gender voters.
According to election officials, 2,01,179 voters (53.82%) in South West Nagpur segment exercised their franchise. Similarly, South Nagpur saw 1,99,596 voters (53.12%) cast votes. 2,08,378 voters (57.21%) in East Nagpur, 1,76,115 voters (55.55%) in Central Nagpur, 1,91,383 (54.02%) in West Nagpur and 2,05,856 voters (54.87%) in North Nagpur exercised their franchise till 5 pm.
Ramtek (SC) constituency witnessed 62.12 percent voter turnout. Five other constituencies in Vidarbha namely Wardha, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), Chandrapur and Yavatmal-Washim also witnessed voters lining up at polling centres in large numbers.
Senior citizens and first time voters showed a lot of enthusiasm and came out to vote in large numbers amidst tight security. Among youth several first-time voters turned up in large numbers to cast their votes.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the Lok Sabha elections and tight vigil was maintained at all polling centres.
