Gujarat Assembly Elections: Voting ends in first phase; voter turnout at 60.48%

The polling has concluded peacefully in the first phase of Assembly elections today, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer P Bharathi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during his roadshow in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mega 50 km roadshow sees humongous support as thousands throng to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

An average voter turnout of 57.60% was recorded as the voting for the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections in 89 seats across 19 districts of Saurashtra-Kutch and southern regions of the state ends, the Election Commission said. The voter turnout is likely to go up.

Voting ended for the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections in 89 seats across 19 districts of Saurashtra-Kutch and southern regions at 5 pm on Thursday.

While the final voting figures were awaited, 48.65 per cent turn-out was recorded till 3 pm, the Election Commission said.

Barring a few minor incidents and some reports of problems in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the voting process, which commenced at 8 am, remained largely peaceful.

The second phase of elections will be held on December 5 and results will be announced on December 8. 

A BJP candidate from Navsari's Vansda Piyush Bhai Patel has alleged that he was attacked by unknown persons in Jhari village in the early morning hours today, Navsari SP said. The SP added, "4-5 vehicles were also damaged in the incident and investigation is underway."

48.48% voter turnout was recorded till 3 pm in the first phase of the Gujarat Elections 2022, as per the Election Commission of India.

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Kavita and Vaibhav cast their votes on their marriage day at polling booth number 208 Bhuj Assembly constituency, Gujarat. The couple posed with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans at the polling booth.

AAP leaders including party president Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and Gujarat's co-in-charge Raghav Chadha addressed a roadshow in Ahmedabad. 

As of 1 pm, the voter turnout for the first phase of the Gujarat election is 34.48%. . As far as constituencies are concerned, Kaprada witnessed the highest turnout at 47.34% whereas Gandhidham had the lowest turnout at 24.70%.

Here is the district-wise turnout: 

People are voting very enthusiastically. In Rajkot district, 26% polling has been recorded till 12 noon. No untoward incident has been reported so far. We are monitoring sensitive polling stations through webcasting," Rajkot Collector Arun Mahesh said. 

Hitting out at Congress, PM Modi asserted, "Friends of Congress, listen with open ears, faith and disbelief in your democracy is your issue. If you want to live for your family then it is your choice. But write down one thing, the more mud you throw, the more lotus will bloom."

Addressing a rally in Aravalli, UP CM Yogi Adityanath remarked, "Today is an important day. Voting is underway for the first phase of polls today and today itself Gujarat's pride PM Modi has become Head of G20 countries. It shows PM Modi's leadership and India's increasing reputation at the global level." 

PM Modi addressed another rally in poll-bound Gujarat. He observed, "Wonderful to be in Chhota Udepur. Amazing energy at the Gujarat BJP rally". 

Here are glimpses from India's first health booth in Junagadh district where people are undergoing health check-ups apart from voting.

In a video message, acclaimed actor and former MP Paresh Rawal urged people to make BJP victorious in the Gujarat election with a huge majority. 

Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani casts his vote at the polling booth in Khambalia. 

104-year voter Ramji Bhai voted at the polling station instead of opting for postal ballot.

Reacting to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge calling PM Modi 'Raavan', Amit Shah opined, "Whenever the Congress has used inappropriate words against PM Modi, then the people of Gujarat have given a reply through the ballot box. This time also the people of the state will give a reply." 

As per the Election Commission of India, the voter turnout increased to 19.16% as of 11 am. As far as constituencies are concerned, Nizar witnessed the highest turnout at 27.15% whereas Dwarka had the lowest turnout at 11.53%.

Here is the district-wise turnout

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a massive roadshow in Sanand, Ahmedabad. Speaking to the media, he said, "Under the tenure of CM Modi, various problems were solved in Gujarat. The water problem was solved, and check dams were built. Electricity is being supplied for 24 hours. Enrollment and dropout issue was solved". 

Union Minister Darshana Jardosh cast her vote in Surat. She stated, "People are voting for double-engine government in the state. People from every community have been voting and we'll be forming the government with an absolute majority". 

Celebratory mood prevails among BJP workers as top leaders including PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are set to campaign in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to the media, Union Health Minister and BJP leader Mansukh Mandaviya stated, "People of my village (Hanol) have always believed in the politics of development. I see that the trust of the people of Gujarat has increased in BJP. This time we will break our record and will create a new record."

PM Modi addressed a rally in Kalol for the second phase of the Gujarat election.

Ruling out a three-way contest in Gujarat while speaking exclusively to Republic TV, state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated, "Even in the past, Congress had tried to fight the election by bringing a third party. First Shankersinh Ji, then Keshubhai Patel. This is sad and unfortunate. But the people of Gujarat are clever. Every time, the people of Gujarat have thwarted their dreams."

Gujarat Assembly Speaker Nimaben Acharya cast her vote at a polling station in Bhuj.

Making a big charge, Gujarat AAP chief Gopal Italia alleged, "Voting is being done deliberately slow in Katargam AC. In this way, if you have to work only under the pressure of BJP goons, then why do you get elections done? On an average, 3.5% voting has been done in the entire state, but only 1.41% has been done in Katargam." 

Anirudhsinh Jadeja and Naina Jadeja - the father and sister of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja voted at a polling station in Jamnagar.

BJP leader and Union Minister Parshottam Rupala exercised his franchise in Amreli.

As of 9 am, the voter turnout for the first phase of the Gujarat election is 5.03%. As far as constituencies are concerned, Kaprada has recorded the highest turnout at 10.30% whereas Limbayat saw the lowest turnout of 2.87%. 

Here is the district-wise voter turnout

After casting his vote, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi noted, "I want to thank PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. They gave me an opportunity to contest an election from this region at the age of 27. Back then, the opposition mocked me. They would say that BJP has made a child a candidate from here. BJP won't be able to save its deposit in this election. In that election, my constituents sent me to the Assembly with the fourth-highest lead. In 2022, I can say that my constituents are fighting this election". He hit out at AAP and Congress.

Speaking to the media, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said, "There is a lot of joy among the people. This time, a youth is participating. So they have expectations that if Rivaba is elected, she will work well for Jamnagar." 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return to the Gujarat election campaign trail today after a gap of two days - this time with a three-hour-long mega roadshow across 16 assembly constituencies - for the second phase of assembly elections. According to the BJP, the roadshow will cover more than 50 km starting from the Naroda Gam and ending at Gandhinagar South constituency.

The Prime Minister's roadshow is likely to begin at 3:30 pm in the afternoon. It is expected to go on till 6:30 pm this evening with PM Modi making at least 35 stops at memorials of prominent personalities, including Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on the way.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel led a roadshow in Mehsana as the polling for the first phase is underway.

Speaking to the media, late Congress leader Ahmed Patel's daughter Mumtaz Patel said, "We have been advocating change. Enough is enough. They have changed the CM thrice. So they must be sensing anti-incumbency. Price rise is the biggest issue. Women and youth are aggrieved. Unemployed persons are roaming around for a job." 

After casting his vote in Porbandar, BJP candidate Babubhai Bokhiria said, "I had said in the campaign that all first-time voters should vote. I think people must have liked my way of working. The power that comes to me is not mine, it belongs to the public. I work for them." 

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi arrived at the polling booth to cast his vote. Tune in to watch here -

100-year-old Kamuben Lalabhai Patel cast her vote in Umargam today.

Urging people to vote against BJP, Ravindra Jadeja's sister Naina Ba Jadeja stated, "You can change your vote after 5 years. BJP made false promises. It did not remain firm on even one thing. It hasn't been successful as its leadership hasn't been that good". She added, "My love for my brother stays the same. My sister-in-law is a BJP candidate as of now. As a sister-in-law she is good". 

Gujarat AAP chief Gopal Italia cast his vote. Taking to Twitter, he said, "For your children's education, for a good health system, for better public facilities, to eliminate corruption, vote to form an honest youth government. Your one vote will stop the paper leak, your vote will change your destiny. Be sure to vote. Jai Hind".

As per sources, approximately 5% turnout has been recorded after one hour of voting. 

AAP's Gujarat co-in-charge Raghav Chadha stated, "Today is the first phase of voting in Gujarat elections. The people of Gujarat have the opportunity by pressing a button to provide good education to their children, to provide good health services to the elders of the house and to get rid of inflation. I appeal with folded hands- make sure to cast your vote." 

Here are some facts related to the 1st phase of the Gujarat election.

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani came down heavily on Congress after Mallikarjun Kharge compared PM Modi with 'Raavan'.

After exercising his franchise, Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai stated, "Gujarat has been progressing and the people of the state have decided to vote for the BJP. People have trust in BJP and there'll be development further in the state. BJP will form the government in the state." 

Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil cast his vote in the first phase of the Gujarat election.

After casting his vote, Congress' Paresh Dhanani remarked, "In the last 27 years, BJP has conspired to make people slaves through fear and selfishness. Due to the shortcomings of the government, inflation, and unemployment is increasing every day. The cylinder costs more than Rs.1100. Oil tin costs over Rs.3000." 

49 minutes after voting commenced in the Gujarat polls, Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "There is an appeal to all the brothers and sisters of Gujarat. Vote for employment, cheap gas cylinder, for loan waiver for farmers. For the progressive future of Gujarat, vote in large numbers and make this festival of democracy a success." 

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani cast his vote along with his wife. He said, "I appeal to people to cast their votes. Voting is necessary to safeguard democracy. I am confident that BJP is going to form the Government in Gujarat for the seventh time. People have love and respect for PM Modi, they won't go anywhere else". 

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani predicted that BJP will win all 4 seats of Rajkot by a huge margin. He said, "This time, BJP will definitely win all 4 seats (of Rajkot) because BJP candidates have campaigned very well".

Congress candidate in Amreli Paresh Dhanani went out to cast his vote carrying a cylinder on his cycle.

Addressing a press briefing in Surat, Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil predicted that BJP will create a record this time with the most number of seats, the highest lead and the highest vote share. He said, "Voters are fighting the election for BJP. They have faith in PM Narendra Modi. They have faith that Modi Sahab has the ability to fulfill their expectations. The contact that our workers have with voters whether it is the COVID period or any other period, BJP workers meet everyone and stand by them". 

Visuals from VM Mehta College in Jamnagar as voters queue up to cast their votes.

Speaking to the media, Congress' poll candidate Arjun Modhwadia said, "The people have resolved to oust BJP this time. BJP knows about this resolve. That's why it replaced the entire government including the CM one year ago. There were so many allegations of corruption. The new government is also working like this. There is a mood for change." 

The EC shared a video featuring some of the model polling booths in the seats going to the polls in the first phase of the Gujarat election.

Here are the visuals from the polling station number 242 to 245 in Morbi's Neelkanth Vidyalaya.

Gujarat's Chief Electoral Officer called upon eligible voters to exercise their franchise.

Gujarat Minister and election candidate Purnesh Modi went to the polling booth in Surat for casting his vote.

Ace all-rounder's wife and BJP's Jamnagar North candidate Rivaba Jadeja exercised her franchise in Rajkot. Speaking to the media later, she said, "There's no difficulty. There can be people of different ideologies in same family. I've trust in people of Jamnagar, we will focus on overall development, and this time as well BJP will win with a good margin." 

Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and his wife cast their votes at a polling booth in Navsari.

The polling for 89 seats for the first phase of the Gujarat election has commenced.

Minutes before voting commenced, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal remarked, "Voting is being held on 89 seats in the first phase of the Gujarat elections today. My appeal to all the voters of the assembly constituencies where voting is taking place in Gujarat today is- 'You have a golden opportunity, do vote for the better future of Gujarat and your children, this time do something big'." 

Appealing to voters ahead of the Gujarat polls, BJP president JP Nadda tweeted, "Today is the first phase of polling in Gujarat. I appeal to all the brothers and sisters to vote in large numbers for peace, development and prosperity in the state, this is the main pillar of progress. Your participation in this great festival of democracy will play an important role in building a developed Gujarat." 

Here are the key fights in Phase 1:

1. Morbi- Amrutiya Kantilal (BJP) vs Jayantilal Patel (AAP)

2. Khambalia- Isudan Gadhvi (AAP) vs Vikrambhai Maadam (Congress) vs Mulubhai Bera (BJP)

3. Porbandar- Arjun Modhwadia (Congress) vs Babubhai Bokhiria (BJP)

4. Katargam- Gopal Italia (AAP) vs Vinodbhai Moradiya (BJP)

5. Jamnagar North- Rivaba Jadeja (BJP) vs  Bipendrasinh Jadeja (Congress)

6. Vyara- Punabhai Gamit (Congress) vs Mohanbhai Konkani (BJP)

7. Varachha Road- Kishor Kanani (BJP) vs Alpesh Kathiriya (AAP)

Gujarat has proved to be an impregnable fortress for BJP as it has been winning the Assembly polls in the state since 1995. In the 2017 election, there was a nail-biting contest between the saffron party and Congress which was bolstered by the fiery campaign of Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor. In the end, BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly whereas the Sonia Gandhi-led party bagged an impressive 77 seats. In an unforeseen development on September 11, 2021, Vijay Rupani tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister of Gujarat without giving any specific reason.

He was replaced by Bhupendra Patel, a first-time MLA who trounced his Congress opponent in Ghatlodia by a margin of 1,17,750 votes. An engineer, he has served as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation as well as the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority. While AAP has mounted a high-octane campaign this time in a bid to make inroads, Congress has retained its focus on the Bharat Jodo Yatra which isn't even passing through Gujarat.

Mock polling is underway at Nilkanth Vidhyalay- designated as a polling booth in Morbi. 

Delhi Deputy CM and AAP leader Manish Sisodia remarked, "Appeal to all the people of Gujarat- Give your vote for good education to every child, job to every youth and good health facilities to every citizen of Gujarat. Only on the basis of your vote, your own family and entire Gujarat will move towards progress and prosperity". Taking a swipe at BJP, he added, "Appeal to all the people of Gujarat- The party which calls free education, health, electricity, water as Revadi and has been looting thousands of crores of public money on its friends for 27 years, this time vote to remove them from power". 

"In the last two decades, Gujarat has become synonymous with development and peace, which every Indian is proud of. But this was possible because of the strong government elected by the people of Gujarat. I appeal to the voters of the first phase to vote with unprecedented enthusiasm and numbers to continue this development journey," Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated. 

Taking to Twitter ahead of Phase 1 polling, PM Modi remarked, "Today is the first phase of the Gujarat elections. I call upon all those voting today, particularly first-time voters to exercise their franchise in record numbers." 

Minutes ahead of the commencement of voting for the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly election, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar appealed to the voters to exercise their franchise. 

Just hours before voting, Navsari BJP candidate Piyush Patel was attacked by unidentified people. There were at least 40-50 people who attacked the candidate who now claims it was a politically motivated attack. Thereafter, his supporters also reached, the police station to register a complaint on the same. 

Tune in to watch LIVE coverage of the polling day for the first phase of the Gujarat election.

BJP's Jamnagar North candidate Rivaba Jadeja appealed to the voters ahead of the polling.

Republic TV is life from Surat and Rajkot where the first phase of polling for the Gujarat election will be held. 

People of Gujarat's mini African village- Jambur, celebrated their first opportunity to vote in their own special tribal booth.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has downplayed AAP's challenge in Gujarat polls, claiming Arvind Kejriwal's party may not even open its account, and said the BJP state unit's announcement of setting up anti-radicalisation cell is a good initiative that can be considered by other states and the Centre.

In an interview with PTI, Mr Shah described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity, all-round development of Gujarat during his tenure as the state chief minister, and the implementation of zero appeasement policy as the main reasons for people repeatedly reposing faith in the BJP over the last 27 years.

"The BJP will register an unprecedented victory in Gujarat. People have full faith in our party and our leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi," said Mr Shah, who has been crisscrossing the state and addressing five rallies a day in the run-up to the two-phase polls on December 1 and 5.

On the question of AAP entering Gujarat assembly elections, the BJP leader said, ”Every party has a right to contest elections, but it is up to people whether they accept the party or not."

"AAP is nowhere in the mind of the people of Gujarat. Wait for election results, maybe AAP's name would not figure in the list of successful candidates," he said.

While the Congress has been the BJP's principal rival in Gujarat, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (APP) has undertaken an aggressive campaign in PM Modi's home state. 

On Congress, Mr Shah said, "It is still the main opposition party, but the party is going through a crisis, and its impact is visible in Gujarat as well." Asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, Mr Shah said sustained efforts are a must in politics.

"I have always been of the view that politicians need to be hard working and it is good when someone works hard. But in politics only sustained efforts show results. So let's wait and see," he said.

PTI report

Darshita Shah, a BJP candidate, whom the party has fielded on the Rajkot West seat for the upcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat replacing the sitting MLA, has some big shoes to fill in, as big leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former chief minister Vijay Rupani were once candidates from this seat. Rajkot West, a seat which the BJP has not lost even once since 1985 and is considered a bastion of the party, has witnessed a change of candidate from the ruling party. Darshita Shah, who is the daughter of RSS leader Praful Doshi, has exuded confidence in winning the seat once again, according to an ANI report. 

On the eve of the Gujarat assembly polls' first phase, the BJP on Wednesday intensified its attack on the Congress over its president Mallikarjun Kharge's 'Ravan' jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said people will give a befitting reply to the opposition party.

During a roadshow here, BJP president J P Nadda said Kharge's barb and another Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry's 'aukat' remark at Modi expose the party's mindset and betray its frustration as the party stands nowhere while the BJP is getting one-sided support across the state.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters that the people of Gujarat will give a befitting reply to those using abusive words for the prime minister who, he asserted, is Gujarat's "honour and pride".

Nadda alleged that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been unable to reconcile themselves to accepting Modi as prime minister and often used objectionable comments against him. Their party's leaders have taken cue from them in targeting Modi, he said.

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BJP lambasted Congress over Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remark comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Raavan. BJP’s Sambit Patra also appealed to the people of Gujarat to take revenge and vote against the Congress party. Notably, Congress president Kharge on November 28 referring to Modi said, “Do you have 100 heads like Raavan?”He added that the statement was made on the instructions of Sonia Gandhi.

Kharge called PM Modi a "chieftain of liars" addressing a rally in tribal-dominated Dediapada in Gujarat.   Addressing a public meeting in Ahmedabad's Behrampura, Kharge opined, "Don't look at anyone, vote looking at Modi. How many times will we see your face? We see your face in Corporation, MLA election, MP election. Every place! Do you have 100 heads like Raavan? I don't understand." 

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The political fate of 788 candidates will be sealed in the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly election as voting begins at 8 am today. The polling will take place in 89 constituencies spread across 19 districts of Kutch, Saurashtra and South Gujarat.