Barring stray scuffles, polling goes peaceful in Malerkotla

Amid allegations of rigging during the zila parishad and block samiti election, polling passed off peacefully with no untoward incident reported in this region of Malerkotla and Ludhiana districts today.

Elderly, frail and disabled persons showed unprecedented enthusiasm to reach their respective booths despite cold weather. Around 50 per cent of the electorate, including a record number of first timers exercised their franchise.

Minor scuffles were reported from some localities as the supporters of candidates had heated arguments over issues like presence of outsiders and those accompanying voters to polling stations. Supporters of candidates, including the Congress, BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party, accused polling staff of favouring candidates supported by rival outfits.

Unlike other parts of the state, residents of villages falling under Malerkotla, Amargarh and Ahmedgarh were less enthusiastic about supporting their respective candidates. Pace of polling remained low up to 2 pm, but afterwards the process speeded up due to sudden arrival of a higher number of voters. Polling continued till 6.30 pm at several polling booths.

No untoward incident was reported from the region.