Gujarat Assembly Elections: Voter turnout 65% at 5 PM; polling ends, EVMs sealed

"Congress party complained about the PM walking to the booth, and we asked for an immediate report from the election officer in Ahmedabad. As per the report it doesn't get established that it was a roadshow & the crowd was there on its own," said Addl Chief electoral officer. 

At least 5,200 voters from three villages in the Mehsana district of Gujarat on Monday boycotted the second and final phase of voting alleging the state government has failed to resolve their long-pending issues including water shortage.

(With PTI Inputs)

EVMs and VVPATs are being sealed and secured as voting ends in the Gujarat Assembly elections; counting of votes on December 8. 

The approximate voter turnout is 65% till 5 pm. Official figures will come out soon. Till 3 pm, it was 50.51%. 

Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani claims that BJP people are indulging in fake voting by entering the booth through the back window. 

District-wise voter turnout in the second phase of Assembly Elections in Gujarat:- 

Former Indian cricketers Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan along with their family members cast their votes at a polling booth in Vadodara for the second phase of Assembly elections in Gujarat. 

Yusuf Pathan appealed to people to come out and vote while his brother Irfan highlighted how voting was the right and responsibility of all. 

"I came to know that till now only 60% polling has been done, so I appeal to people to come and increase it. I am hopeful that in the coming time our country can become a superpower as we have youth and potential," said Irfan while addressing the media with Yusuf. 

Amid the second phase of Assembly elections in Gujarat, Congress candidate for the Panchmahal constituency Prabhatsinh Chauhan was attacked by unidentified people near Kalol. The car of the candidate has also been damaged.

The voters in four villages of Gujarat's Mehsana district said they were boycotting the elections as no development had taken place in their areas.

As per sources, the Congress party will complain against PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Police brought the situation under control at the Keshavpura polling station under the Anklav assembly constituency in Anand where a scuffle between BJP and Congress workers reportedly took place during polling.

A differently-abled voter casts his vote for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly Polls in Nadiad, Kheda.

As per the Election Commission of India, 19.17% voter turnout was recorded as of 11 am. As far as constituencies are concerned, Padra witnessed the highest turnout at 27.87% whereas Halol had the lowest turnout at 12.21%.

Here is the district-wise turnout:

As per the Election Commission of India, 34.74% voter turnout was recorded as of 1 pm. As far as constituencies are concerned, Tharad witnessed the highest turnout at 45.98% whereas Thakkarbapa Nagar had the lowest turnout at 25.12%.

Here is the district-wise turnout:

Senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil remarked, "Sonia Gandhi had said nobody can replace Ahmed Patel and we'll always feel his absence. In these polls, we felt his absence. But people saw the tactics BJP had used to defeat Ahmed Patel & they haven't forgotten. They'll vote against BJP as tribute." 

Elderly voters proudly showing their inked fingers after casting their vote at a polling station in Mahesana district during the 2nd phase of the Gujarat polls.

PM Modi arrived at the BJP headquarters in the national capital for a key party meeting.

BJP national president JP Nadda arrived at the party HQ. He will preside over the two-day national office bearers' meeting of the party that will be inaugurated by PM Modi today.

AAP's CM candidate Isudan Gadhvi casts his vote at a polling station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He told the media, "I appeal to people to step go to polling stations and vote. Choose whoever you want but you will be able to demand answers from political leaders only if you vote. I expect AAP to win 51 plus out of 89 seats in the first phase and 52 plus seats in the second phase".

Former Indian cricketer Nayan Mongia who kept wickets for India in many international matches cast his vote in the Gujarat Assembly election.

Despite being 99 years old, PM Modi's mother Heeraben Modi personally arrived at the polling booth to cast her vote. She was accompanied by her son Pankaj Modi and his family members.

Erstwhile royal Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad cast her vote at a polling booth in Vadodara. She said, "Voting is our right. I appeal to everyone to exercise their franchise. There is no right without responsibility". 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brother Somabhai Modi exercised his franchise at the Nishan Public school, Ranip.

Gujarat BJP general secretary Rajni Patel cast his vote in the second phase of polling for the Gujarat election.

On polling day, AAP's Gujarat CM face Isudan Gadhvi remarked, "The voter of Gujarat today is requested to vote as much as possible keeping in mind the rising fees of their children, good government, education, health, inflation and security!" 

Senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil cast his vote at a polling booth in Ahmedabad.

Calling for a record turnout in phase 2, Amit Shah told the media, "Today is the voting day of the second phase of the Gujarat assembly elections. People, since morning, have come out with enthusiasm and in large numbers to vote in support of the 2.5-decade development journey of the state. I appeal to all men and women voters, especially first-time voters to vote and take forward the decades-old reform journey of the state."

He added, "We have to maintain the tradition of developing the country led by Gujarat's development. The main pillar of the country's development is rooted in Gujarat's progress. I appeal to all the voters of Gujarat to exercise their franchise to further strengthen the development model of increasing commercial investments, 100 percent enrolment, 0 percent dropout ratio, programmes of poverty alleviation and an all-inclusive model of development, which is attracting the entire country." 

Appealing to the voters of Gujarat, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi remarked, "We will fulfill the promise given to youth, farmers, women and every citizen, we will bring change in Gujarat. There is an appeal to the people of Gujarat- vote in large numbers. Fulfill this important responsibility for the progress of the state."

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV after meeting PM Modi, his brother Somabhai Modi said, "I felt very nice. He had tea and inquired about the family". Somabhai Modi mentioned that he met his brother after 5-6 years. He added, "I am very happy with the government. He (the PM) is not in touch with the family. He works for the nation". 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited a temple along with his family after exercising their franchise.

Accompanied by his wife Sonal Shah and son Jay Shah, Union Home Minister Amit Shah cast his vote at a polling booth. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at the polling station. He was greeted by hundreds of people.

Here are visuals from an all-women-managed Polling Station (Sakhi Booth) in the Gandhinagar district. In phase 2, 651 such Polling stations have been set up.

Speaking to the media, PM Modi stated, "People celebrated the festival of democracy in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi with great enthusiasm and fervour. I thank the people of the country from the bottom of my heart for the festival of democracy. I thank the Election Commission from the bottom of my heart for conducting the polls in a magnificent manner ensuring that India's prestige in the world increases. A good example of this was seen in this election."

Talking in Gujarati later, he added, "I heartily thank the voters of Gujarat for celebrating the festival of democracy with full fervour. The people of Gujarat have the wisdom of listening to everybody and accepting what is right. This is the nature of Gujarat. Following this nature, people are voting in large numbers."

Former Gujarat CM and current UP Governor Anandiben Patel cast her vote for the Gujarat Assembly election. Speaking to the media thereafter, she observed, "Voting is our right. All voters should vote. If we have got this right, we should use this right and take India to the number one position". 

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and his wife cast their votes for the second phase of the Gujarat Assembly polls.  He told the media, "It's a festival of democracy. Everyone should exercise their franchise. I too voted today. I appeal to everyone to step out in large numbers, vote and strengthen democracy. The people of Gujarat are smart & they have always voted thoughtfully. They'll do the same this time too". 

Patidar leader Hardik Patel cast his vote in Ahmedabad.

PM Modi left from Ranip after visiting his brother.

As per the Election Commission of India, 4.75% voter turnout was recorded as of 9 am. As far as constituencies are concerned, Gandhinagar North witnessed the highest turnout at 12.97% whereas Jetpur had the lowest turnout at 2.47%.

Here is the district-wise turnout:

Speaking to the media after casting his vote, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said, "Today, the festival of democracy is being celebrated in Gujarat. The voting for the first phase is over. Today, the polling for the second phase has started. Everyone will take part in the second phase of polling peacefully and vote in large numbers". He also predicted that BJP will break all records this time. 

PM Modi walked down from the polling booth to meet his brother and family after casting his vote in Ahmedabad.

PM Modi cast his vote at the polling station in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

PM Modi arrived at the polling station in Ahmedabad and was greeted by hundreds of people. 

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel exercised his franchise.

Speaking to the media, Gujarat Congress chief Jagdish Thakor alleged, "Baldev Thakor is contesting from Kalol and it was turned into a Police camp, there was an atmosphere of fear. It shows that BJP is losing and with the help of Police and Government machinery they are influencing the polling. Our workers and leaders will contest bravely and win." 

All eyes are on PM Modi who is set to arrive at the polling station in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to the media, former Gujarat CM Shankarsinh Vaghela stated, "The second phase is taking place in OBC-dominated Assembly segments. Congress has indicated that it will make an OBC the CM. I feel that central Gujarat and north Gujarat will vote for Congress. I feel that there will be a change after 27 years of BJP rule."

PM Modi left Raj Bhavan to cast his vote at the polling centre in Nishan Public School, Ranip.

Congress leader Bharatsinh Solanki voted in Botad. Speaking to the media, he said, "Congress received massive support in Saurashtra & south Gujarat in phase 1. Today, north Gujarat and central Gujarat are going to polls and you can see long queues. Come December 8, Congress will come to power with majority". 

Vadodara Mayor and BJP candidate Keyur Rokadia cast his vote at Jetalpur.

Here are visuals from polling booth 95, Shilaj Anupam School in Ahmedabad. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel will cast his vote here.

Here's all you need to know about the second phase of the polling for the Gujarat election.

Voters queue up at the polling booths as voting for the final phase of Gujarat polls begins. 

As voting for final phase of Gujarat polls begins, send us your voting selfie with the hashtag #MyVotingSelfie and see it on air, LIVE on Republic TV.

Voting is underway for the second phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections. The pictures are of Jetalpur, Vadodara.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remarked, "The second and final phase of the Gujarat assembly elections are being held today. I urge all those voting today to come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote. Each and every vote counts in celebration of democracy."

"I appeal to everyone to vote. BJP has maintained law and order and has worked for the development of Gujarat. I want all Gujaratis to vote for BJP. We should exercise our power to vote as election is the beauty of democracy," BJP leader Hardik Patel appealed to the voters.

Voting for 93 seats in Phase 2 of the Gujarat election commenced.

BJP president JP Nadda observed, "Today is the second and last phase of polling in Gujarat. I appeal to all the voters, especially the young friends, to vote in large numbers to ensure the continuity of the state's development. Gujarat has always played a role in making democracy prosperous and mature, you are the bearer of this tradition." 

Kinjalben Patel, the wife of BJP's Viramgam candidate Hardik Patel exuded confidence in his victory. 

PM Modi stated, "Urging all those who are voting in Phase 2 of the Gujarat elections, particularly the young voters and women voters to vote in large numbers. I will be casting my vote in Ahmedabad at around 9 am."

Ahead of polling, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal remarked, "In the second phase, voting is being held on 93 seats in Gujarat today. My appeal to all the voters- This election is the election of new hopes and aspirations of Gujarat. It is a great opportunity that has come after decades. Looking towards the future, do come by voting for the progress of Gujarat, this time come by doing something different and wonderful."

Gujarat's Chief Electoral Officer urged eligible voters to exercise their franchise from 8 am to 5 pm. 

Ahead of polling, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated, "Today is the second and last phase of polling in Gujarat. I appeal to all the voters of this phase, especially the youth, to vote in maximum numbers to elect a government with a thumping majority that will ensure peace and prosperity in Gujarat. The golden future of Gujarat lies in your one vote."

The contest for the Muslim-dominated Jamalpur Khadia Assembly constituency in Ahmedabad city has become a three-cornered one with the entry of Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM, a cause of worry, especially for Congress. In the 2012 Assembly polls, former Congress MLA Sabir Kabliwala had contested as an Independent against Congress' Samir Khan Sipai, slicing away a significant chunk of Muslim votes, which eventually paved the way for the victory of BJP candidate Bhusan Bhatt in the Jamalpur Khadia segment.

The final phase of voting will begin in Gujarat at 93 constituencies. Tune in to watch here -

Voting for by-elections for the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh and 6 assembly seats in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh has commenced.

As per sources, PM Modi will meet his brother Somabhai after casting his vote in the Gujarat election. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an important closed-door meeting on Sunday ahead of the voting for the second phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state's Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi and state party president CR Paatil among others were present in the meeting at BJP headquarters 'Shree Kamalam' in Gandhinagar. According to the sources, the Prime Minister took a review of the first phase of polls, the preparations for the second phase and the road ahead for governance. 

Here are key contests in Phase 2:

• Ghatlodia: Bhupendra Patel (BJP) vs Amee Yagnik (Congress)

• Vadgam: Jignesh Mevani (Congress) vs Manilal Vaghela (BJP)

• Viramgam: Hardik Patel (BJP) vs Lakhabhai Bharwad (Congress)

• Gandhinagar South: Alpesh Thakor (BJP) vs Himanshu Patel (Congress)

• Godhra: CK Raulji (BJP) vs Rashmitaben Chauhan (Congress)

Multiple prominent politicians of Gujarat will cast their phase in the second phase of polling today. This includes PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Bhupendra Patel, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Isudan Gadhvi, state Congress president Jagdish Thakor, Shaktisinh Gohil and Shankersinh Vaghela. 

Congress' Danta poll candidate Kanti Kharadi alleged that he was attacked by BJP workers. Speaking to the media, he said, "Whatever happened is unfortunate. I was going to my area as there's election. I saw that the atmosphere was heated there so I decided to escape". He added, "While our car was returning, some cars chased us. BJP candidate Latu Parghi and 2 others came with weapons, with swords. We thought we must escape, we ran for 10-15 km and for 2 hours we were in the jungle".

Sixteen urban Assembly seats in Ahmedabad city, which go to polls in the second phase of the Gujarat polls on Monday, are crucial for the Bharatiya Janata Party which has always enjoyed an upper hand here in the elections since 1990. While the Congress improved its tally to four seats in the 2017 election from two in 2012, the fight has become more interesting this time with the entry of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has fielded its candidates in all the 16 seats, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) which is contesting four seats.

Political analysts claim the BJP, which currently holds 12 out of these 16 seats, will win most of them and the AAP may fail to make any impact. The AIMIM is likely eat into the Congress's votes in some of the seats, they say, according to a PTI report. 

Preparations are underway for the Gujarat Assembly's second phase of polling. Here are visuals from Nishan Public school, Ranip where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will cast his vote.

During the last leg of the campaign, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held rallies in Dholka, Mahudha and Khambhat towns, while Union minister Smriti Irani held roadshows in Modasa and Siddhpur towns of north Gujarat. AAP leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also held road shows for the second phase of elections, according to PTI. 

A total 2.51 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise for the second phase of elections, including 1.29 crore men and 1.22 crore women. There are 5.96 lakh voters in the age group of 18 to 19 years, according to the Election Commission.

As the polling will start on Monday, the Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani is contesting as the Congress candidate from the Vadgam seat in Banaskantha district, and Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly Sukhram Rathva is the nominee from Jetpur in Chhota Udepur district. BJP rebel Madhu Shrivastav is contesting as an independent candidate from Vaghodia seat in Vadodara district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a whirlwind campaign for the BJP candidates on December 1 and 2, including two back-to-back road shows in Ahmedabad.

Some of the important constituencies in the second phase include Ghatlodia (in Ahmedabad district) of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Viramgam seat (also in Ahmedabad) from where Patidar leader Hardik Patel is fighting on the BJP's ticket and Gandhinagar South from where Alpesh Thakor is fighting as the saffron party candidate.

In the second phase, voting will be held in the remaining 93 seats, for which 833 candidates are in the fray from 61 political parties, including the BJP, Congress and the new poll entrant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The nominees also include 285 independents, as per the state election body.

The BJP and the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP are contesting in all the 93 seats. The Congress is contesting in 90 seats and its alliance partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has fielded candidates in two seats. Among other parties, the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) has fielded 12 candidates and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 44. The 93 Assembly segments which will go to polls on Monday are spread across Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Gandhinagar and other districts.

The Centre will convene an all-party meeting on Monday to solicit suggestions, discuss and finalise strategies for the G-20 summit which India will host in September next year. Presidents of nearly 40 parties have been invited to the meeting by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also likely to attend the meeting at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

India officially assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1. New Delhi is expected to host over 200 preparatory meetings across the country, including at Hyderabad, beginning this month.  The next G20 Leaders’ Summit at the level of heads of State or government is scheduled to be held on September 9 and 10 next year in New Delhi.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee, who will arrive in Delhi on Monday, will be part of the all-party meeting. Banerjee, however, said she would be participating in the meeting in the capacity of Trinamool Congress chairperson, and not as West Bengal chief minister.

Indonesia had earlier this month handed over the G20 presidency to India for the coming year at the Bali summit with Prime Minister Modi terming it a matter of pride for every Indian citizen. G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies.

PTI report

The high-voltage campaigning by different parties for the second phase of polls ended on Saturday evening. The first phase of voting for 89 seats in Saurashtra, Kutch, and south Gujarat regions was held on December 1, when an average voter turnout of 63.31 percent was recorded.

The final phase of polling for the ongoing Assembly elections will be held on Monday for 93 Assembly seats across 14 central and northern districts of Gujarat in the state polls. In the 2017 Assembly polls, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 51 of these seats, Congress 39, while three seats went to independent candidates.

After the first phase on December 1, the second phase of Assembly elections in Gujarat is scheduled for December 5, Monday. The Gujarat Assembly has a total of 182 seats. In the first phase, voting was held for 89 seats in Saurashtra, Kutch, and south Gujarat regions. In the second phase, voting will be held in the remaining 93 Assembly seats across in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Gandhinagar, and other northern and central Gujarat regions. 

For the 93 seats in the second phase, 833 candidates are in the fray from 61 political parties, including the BJP, Congress and the new poll entrant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The nominees also include 285 independents, as per the state election body.

The BJP and the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP are contesting in all 93 seats. The Congress is contesting 90 seats and its alliance partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has fielded candidates in two seats. Among other parties, the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) has fielded 12 candidates, and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 44.