MP by-polls: 61% voting in Shahdol, 71% in Nepanagar

The two by-polls in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday ended peacefully with 61 per cent voting for the Shahdol Lok Sabha seat and 71 per cent for the Nepanagar assembly seat, officials said.

According to information gathered from the state election office, till 1 p.m., 42 per cent voting was reported in Shahdol and 48 per cent in Nepanagar.

Public relations officer at the state election office, Pralay Shrivastav said people were standing in queues to vote at polling booths even after 5 p.m.

The main competition in Shahdol Lok Sabha constituency is between Himadri Dalbir Singh from Congress and Gyan Singh from BJP, while in Nepanagar Vidhan Sabha assembly Congress pitted Antar Singh against BJP's Manju Dadu. Both the seats fell vacant due to the death of the respective lawmakers.

Election official Salina Singh told reporters that 14 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were changed due to malfunctioning.

People in Sonbarsa village in Satna district were angry over the demonetisation move and boycotted the elections.

Tight security arrangements were in place to ensure smooth elections with state security forces and Central paramilitary forces stationed in the areas.

--IANS

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