Over 71.48 per cent voter turnout was registered in the bypoll for Ghodadongri (ST) Assembly seat in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh today, where the BJP and Congress are locked in a straight fight.
"Over 71.48 per cent voters, including 73.98 per cent men and 68.97 per cent women, exercised their franchise in the Ghodadongri (ST) bypoll. Polling ended at 5 PM and by and large it was peaceful," an election officer said.
The final percentage of polling will be known later in evening, he said.
Villagers of Jamitha had initially boycotted the bypoll on the issue of development, especially alleged non-construction of road, but later took part in the election.
Six companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) were deployed for conducting the election and for guarding the EVMs. Besides, Home Guard and Forest Guards have also been deputed on poll duty, the official added
A total of seven candidates are in the fray. BJP has fielded Mangal Singh Dhurve, while Congress is banking on former minister Pratap Singh Uikey.
The by-election was necessitated following the demise of sitting BJP MLA, Sajjan Singh Uikey.
The constituency has 2,19,404 voters including 1,12,313 men, 1,07,083 women and eight third genders.
Counting of votes will take place on June 2.
