Voter turnout an all-time high in Haryana, moderate polling in Maharashtra

The Election Commission on Wednesday informed that the voter turnout in the Haryana Assembly elections was at an all-time high at 73 percent.

"Today's polls went off peacefully except at a few isolated locations, which the EC will be looking into. In the 90 assembly constituencies in the state and 16,320 polling stations that were set, 1,351 candidates stood for the elections. The voter turnout has been the highest ever -till 6 pm, we have calculated that it was a tentative 73 percent," Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told the media at a press conference here.

"In whatever locations we feel that unfair means were used, we shall decide whether to hold re-elections, as required," he added.

In Maharashtra, the voter turnout percentage was lower, with only 54.5 percent of the eligible voters in the state voting till 5 pm.

"Across the 288 constituencies in Maharashtra, the number of polling stations was 91,376, with 4,119 candidates standing for elections. The voter turnout till 5 pm was 54.5 percent. However, since polling went on till 6 pm, it is likely to be around 62 percent," Deputy Election Commissioner Sudhir Tripathi told the media.

Meanwhile, Election Commission Director General PK Dash told the media that high amount of cash was seized in and around the polling booths in Maharashtra.

"Cash amounting to Rs 17.92 crore was seized in Maharashtra, as well as 4, 61,000 litres of alcohol. In Haryana, the figures were comparatively lower, with 1, 82,706 litres of alcohol and cash amounting to Rs 3.10 crores," he said.

The counting of votes will take place on October 19.