Sat Nov 23 09:35:11 UTC 2024: ## Kalyan-Dombivli Witnesses High Voter Turnout Amidst Minor Incidents
**Kalyan, Maharashtra:** The four Assembly constituencies of Kalyan East, Kalyan West, Dombivli, and Kalyan Rural witnessed a significant voter turnout on Wednesday, with long queues forming outside polling stations since morning. Senior citizens, working professionals, and a large number of women were seen participating enthusiastically. Stringent police security at polling booths and surrounding areas helped prevent any major incidents of intimidation.
While the voting process largely remained peaceful, minor scuffles were reported in a few areas. In Umbarde, Kalyan West, a verbal altercation occurred between supporters of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the Mahayuti, stemming from the MVA’s setting up a booth to distribute voter slips in a Mahayuti-stronghold area. The incident, involving allegations of abuse, was reported to the Khadakpada police station and registered as a non-cognizable offense. Police intervention resolved the matter quickly.
Another minor argument took place between a former councilor and a local worker in Rajunagar, Dombivli West, but was resolved with the intervention of a senior BJP leader. A similar minor dispute was reported in Dativali, Kalyan Rural.
These minor incidents aside, the overall voting process remained peaceful. Police ensured strict monitoring to prevent any inducement or intimidation of voters. Pre-emptive measures included the distribution of voter slips, including polling station details, via WhatsApp and home delivery five days prior to the election, encouraging voters to arrive early.
Elderly voters were provided with seating and water facilities. The declaration of a holiday further boosted early turnout with families arriving together. Some voters even brought their children and pets along. However, complaints about slow-moving EVMs arose in the afternoon, leading to longer queues. Priority was given to senior citizens, women, and differently-abled individuals. Police swiftly removed unauthorized campaign material, such as a four-digit number promoting a candidate, found painted on a road. Police meticulously checked voter slips to ensure no party symbols were visible before allowing entry to polling stations.
Candidates were seen actively monitoring the process and engaging with voters, while their party workers ensured voters were not prevented from reaching their polling stations. Polling station staff were well provided for with meals and refreshments throughout the day. Election officials worked diligently to prevent situations from escalating, unlike those seen during previous Lok Sabha elections.
Technical glitches with EVMs were reported in some areas of Kalyan West in the morning, delaying the voting process at several polling stations.
A corporate professional, Apoorva Pandey, who resides in the US, returned to Dombivli two days before the election to cast her vote.
Voter turnout figures released at various intervals through the day showed consistent participation across all four constituencies, with figures exceeding 40% by 3 PM.
First Piper 