NEWS

Rains may dampen voting in Punjab

Source:PTI
February 13, 2007

Political parties in Punjab are worried that rains on voting day will affect the voter turnout.

The weather office in Chandigarh has forecasted moderate to heavy rains. While the Shiromani Akali Dal is of the opinion that the rain might have a bearing on the voter turnout in urban areas, the ruling Congress claimed that the party-cadre will come out to vote despite inclement weather.

SAD general secretary Kanwaljit Singh said the downpour at several places on the polling day will affect the poll percentage in the urban areas.

"Rain is a natural process...no one can help it, but the Congressmen will come out and vote for the party candidates," Punjab Congress spokesman Rajpal Singh said.

However, both the major outfits, contesting one of the most bitterly fought elections in recent times, claimed that the voters are enthusiastic.

Kanwaljit Singh said the rain had failed to dampen the spirits of the electors.

Meanwhile, the weather office said that Amritsar experienced 6.6 mm of rainfall, Ludhiana 20.2 mm and Patiala three mm.

Around 1.66 crore voters are expected to decide the political fortunes of 1,038 candidates in 115 out of 117 assembly constituencies.

Voting is also taking place for high profile Amritsar Lok Sabha seat from where cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is contesting against Surinder Singla of the Congress.

Source: PTI
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