Amid stray violence, Assam records over 55 percent polling

Guwahati, April 11 (IANS) Amid reports of stray violence from different parts of the state, the second phase of polling recorded over 55 percent voting till 2 p.m. on Monday.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh cast his vote in Guwahati but his wife did not.

Additional Chief Election Officer Assam Nitin Khade said that 55.46 percent polling was recorded till 2 p.m.

"We have received reports about some violence in different places. According to preliminary reports, one person died due to lathicharge by the CRPF at a place near Barpeta Road under Sarbhog constituency," he said.

"There is also a report that there is some firing by the security forces at a polling station in Nagarbera constituency," Khade said, adding that they are waiting for a detailed report on the incidents.

He said apart from these incidents, polling was by and large peaceful across the 61 constituencies.

Former prime minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh cast his vote at the Dispur Government High School, located in Dispur area of the city. His wife Gurcharan Kaur, also a voter of Dispur constituency, however, did not come to vote.

"I think people of Assam will reward the Congress party for the good work it has done for the people of Assam in last 15 years," said Singh, while walking up to the waiting mediapersons in the school campus.

Asked about the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegation that he had not done anything for Assam when he was the prime minister, Singh said, "I do not want to counter what the prime minister had said about me. But he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) also knows that what he has said is not true."

Strict security measures had been put in place at the Dispur Government High school since Monday morning.

Security forces including the Central Reserve Police Force and Special Protection Group personnel allowed voters to enter the polling centre only after frisking.

Large numbers of people were seen queuing before the polling stations since around 6 a.m on Monday to cast their vote.

There are a total of 1,04,35,277 voters eligible to cast their ballot in the second phase. Of these, 50,440,51 voters are women and 22 are third gender.

There are 525 candidates in the fray and 48 of them are women. Polling will be held in 12,699 polling stations across the state.

The first phase of polling for 65 constituencies were held in Assam on April 4 which remained peaceful and recorded 83.20 percent polling.