Polling begins on dull note in Uttarakhand

Polling for the assembly elections in Uttarakhand to elect 70 legislators began a dull note this morning despite a clear sky.

Till 10:00 am, only 10% polling was recorded, said state chief electorate officer [CEO] Radha Raturi.

However, the polling was peaceful, she said.

In most of the polling booths, people began queuing up as the day progressed, officials said.

Over 63 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the elections where the ruling BJP is locked in a close fight against Congress.

The elections will also decide the fate of top state leaders including Chief Minister B C Khanduri from Kotdwar, former chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank from Doiwala, the leader of opposition Harak Singh Rawat from Rudraprayag and PCC chief Yashpal Arya from Baajpur seats.

The polling which began at 08:00 am would end at 5:00 pm in the evening.

A total of 788 candidates are trying their luck with main contenders BJP and Congress contesting all the 70 seats.