TNI Bureau: A record 68% voters exercised their franchise during the first phase voting in Gujarat today. Polling were conducted across 87 assembly seats in the state. During the 2007 polls, the polling percentage was just 59.77%.
The high voting percentage has stunned the poll pundits, but the BJP has claimed it as a massive mandate for Narendra Modi and his wide acceptability. The second phase polling will be held on December 17. Counting of votes will be held on December 20.
South Gujarat, Saurashtra and Ahmedabad (rural) went to polls today. Fate of bigwigs like Keshubhai Patel (GPP) and Arjun Modhwadia (Congress) has been sealed in the EVM machine.