Nagpur Graduates Poll Sees 64.76% Turnout, Up from 2020
The Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency election achieved a turnout of 64.76%, surpassing the previous election's figures despite over 90,000 voters abstaining.
Voter turnout increased to 64.76%, up from 64.38% in 2020.
Over 90,000 registered voters did not participate in the election.
Counting of votes is scheduled for October 27 at Mankapur Stadium.
The Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency election held on Friday recorded a voter turnout of 64.76%, slightly exceeding the 64.38% turnout from the previous election in 2020. This increase is attributed to extensive campaigning by candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party. Despite this rise, more than 90,000 registered voters chose not to participate in the electoral process.
Polling took place between 8 AM and 4 PM, utilizing paper ballots across 445 polling stations in six districts. Out of 255,603 registered voters, 165,541 cast their votes, marking an increase of 32,618 votes compared to the last election. Among the districts, Gadchiroli reported the highest turnout at 72.95%, while Nagpur district, which comprises a significant portion of the electorate, had the lowest turnout at 60.33%.
The election featured a contest between 38 candidates, prominently including BJP's Sudhakar Kohale, a former MLA, and Congress's incumbent MLC Abhijit Wanjarri. Senior political figures, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, participated in the voting process, with Fadnavis casting his vote at a local school. The constituency had a total of 147,280 male voters and 108,301 female voters, with male turnout at 68.92% and female turnout at 59.13%.
The implications of this election are significant for both parties, as they mobilized their workers to encourage voter turnout. Kohale expressed gratitude for the support received from graduates, while Wanjarri emphasized the strength of Congress's organizational network. He also raised concerns about duplicate voters and urged the Election Commission to ensure a fair voting process.
Looking ahead, the counting of votes will take place on October 27 at Mankapur Stadium, where the preferential voting system will determine the winning candidate based on valid votes. Both parties are poised to analyze the results closely, as they will have implications for future electoral strategies in the region.
