The assembly elections of 2012 recorded 71.32% voting, which is the highest in the history of Gujarat. Prior to this, the highest voting was recorded in 1995 with 64.39% polling.
Of the 38 million eligible voters in the state, over 27.15 million voted in two phases of the polls held on December 13 and December 17, respectively. The counting of the votes will take place on December 20.
Nearly 73% of male voters exercised their franchise, while 69.48% women came out to vote during the two phase polling.
The tribal district of South Gujarat registered highest voters turnout. As many as 50% of district, that is, 13 out of 26, have had more than 70% voting turnout.
The tribal district of Narmada with 82.21% voting which is the highest among all districts, followed by Tapi (80.43%), Navsari (75.59 %), Sabarkantha (75.56%), Bharuch (75.11%), Banaskantha and Anand with 74.89% each.
As many as 1666 candidates were in fray for the 182 seats of the state assembly. This election is being considered as litmus test for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's prospects for a role in the national politics. However, the senior BJP leader denied he had such ambitions. "I am happy in Gujarat. I am committed to the people of Gujarat. I believe, I am also serving the nation by serving Gujarat. Gujarat is not outside our country," Modi said after casting his vote during the second phase of polling on Monday.
Record turnout in the first and second phases of Gujarat elections has triggered a wave of excitement in the political circles in the state. While analysts perceive this as the enthusiasm of voters, some believe it to be driven by factors such as caste-based campaigning and the emergence of a third front.
"Gujarat polls are more interesting this time as the third front has emerged from the earlier two-party politics. Also, caste-based campaigning has drawn more crowds for polling. This appears to create a newer tendency of Indian politics," said Manishi Jani, a writer and social analyst.
For many analysts, a record turnout of voters for the state assembly elections would prove to be decisive in forming the next government. "Such huge turnout means voters have decided for something. This is going to be a decisive outcome. It appears that voters have adopted a business-like approach (to choose the government)," said Y K Alagh, former member of Planning Commission and prominent economist.
"Unlike 2002 and 2007, there are no great emotional issues this time. But it is equally difficult to predict which way the swing will happen," said Alagh.
Also, adding to the high participation is increased awareness towards practicing the voting right. "There is an increased awareness this time among the voters to exercise their voting right. Not only rural but urban population too has realised the importance of voting and therefore they are participating with full enthusiasm in the current elections," said Y R Sharma, industrialist and former chairman of Confederation Indian Industries (CII) - Gujarat state.
In the first phase 11 minister from the Narendra Modi government were in fray from Saurashtra and South Gujarat. While presidents of the two major parties -- R C Faldu of BJP and Arjun Modhwadia from Congress are contesting from Jamnagar Rural and Porbander seats respectively. Also, in fray are GPP president Keshubhai Patel and its general secretary Gordhan Zadafiya who are contesting from Visavadar in Junagadh and Gondal, Rajkot, respectively. For GPP, it will be an acid test, which will decide its political future.
While in the second phase, there were 18 ministers from the Modi cabinet which include six cabinet rank ministers. The close aides of Modi who are contesting elections include revenue minister Anandi Patel, urban development minister Nitin Patel, health minister Jaynarayan Vyas, social justice and empowerment minister Fakirbhai Vaghela and industries minister Saurabh Patel.
Other BJP ministers in fray include Vasan Ahir from Anjar, Parbatsinh Patel (Tharad), Liladhar Vaghela (Deesa), Praful Patel (Himmatnagar), Ramanlal Vora (Ider), Jaysinh Chauhan (Prantij), Pradipsinh Jadeja (Vatva), Jaydrathsinh Parmar (Halol) and Jashwantsinh Bhabhor (Limkheda).
