Over 76 percent polling in Rajasthan civic polls

Elections for Rajasthan's 129 civic bodies including the Ajmer Municipal Corporation on Monday witnessed over 76 percent of the 37.58 lakh voters casting their ballot, an official said.

The voting percentage was much higher than the 70.57 percent polling recorded five years ago.

"Voting, held between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., was more or less peaceful. As per tentative figures, 76.05 percent voting was recorded.

"Only minor incidents like fights between supporters of political parties and allegations of bogus voting were reported from some places," a state election commission official told IANS.

Voting was held at 4,300 booths.

"Counting will take place on August 20," the official said. A total of 10,582 candidates are in the fray in 129 civic bodies.

Candidates of the BJP and the Congress contested in all the wards in these elections.

Both the parties are claiming victory in these polls.

"We are sure of winning in the elections. Morale of party workers is high and we are hopeful of performing better in these polls," a Congress functionary said.

Minister Younis Khan said people "will certainly vote for the developmental work the Vasundhara Raje government has done in the state".