Maharashtra municipal council polls record 70% voting

Around 70 per cent polling was reported in elections to 147 municipal councils and 17 nagar panchayats, which were held on Sunday in the backdrop of demonetisation of higher value currency notes.

The polls are being viewed as 'mini' Assembly elections and also a test for the Devendra Fadnavis' government.

This is for the first time that presidents of municipal councils will be elected directly by people.

"Around 70 per cent voting was reported for the polls today (Sunday)," State Election Commissioner, J S Saharia said.

While ruling alliance partners, BJP and Shiv Sena had tied up for the polls, the opposition Congress and NCP didn't formally announce any alliance.

While BJP projected development as its main plank, during campaigns Fadnavis hailed the demonetisation move a major attack on black money.

On its part, the Congress, among other issues including development, had also highlighted the hardships being faced by the poor and common man due to demonetisation.

The voting which began at 7.30 AM and ended at 5.30 PM, witnessed sporadic incidents of group clashes, an official said.

Voters of Raghuchiwadi village in Osmanabad district boycotted the election to protest against non-availability of basic amenities to the village, the official said.

During polling for the Karad municipal council in Satara district, chairman of the Maharashtra State Cooperation Council, Shekhar Charegaonkar allegedly warned a woman police constable of suspension after she objected to him taking his vehicle near the polling booth.

In Wardha district, Rs 3.5 lakh cash was seized from the vehicle of an NCP candidate.

In Chandrapur district, an Independent candidate climbed atop a high power cable tower and tried to woo voters.

In Parbhani district, three people were injured during quarrel between two groups, while polling for the Gangakged municipal council was on, police said.

In Osmanabad district, police registered an offence under section 307 (attempt to murder) of IPC against 27 persons, after two policemen were injured in stone pelting near a police station during polling for the Murum municipal council.

In Sangli district, a bandh call has been given for tomorrow after clashes between BJP and Congress activists during polling for the Tasgaon civic body.