Chandigarh, 20 November 2024:Voting is underway today for by-elections in four Punjab Assembly constituencies: Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, and Gidderbaha. Polling commenced at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m.
The Election Commission has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a transparent electoral process, including 100% live webcasting at all polling stations.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sivin C is overseeing the live streaming from the control room in his office. He has urged voters in the affected constituencies to exercise their right to vote.
As of 11 a.m., voter turnout stands at 20.76% across the four constituencies:
Gidderbaha: 35%
Dera Baba Nanak: 19.4%
Barnala: 16.1%
Chabbewal: 12.71%
In Dera Baba Nanak, a clash occurred between supporters of the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), leading to increased security deployment in the area. Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa appealed for peaceful voting, condemning attempts to disrupt the process.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also called on residents of the constituencies to participate in the voting process, emphasizing the importance of their contribution to the state’s future.
These by-elections were necessitated after the incumbent legislators were elected to the Lok Sabha, leaving the Assembly seats vacant. The outcomes are expected to influence the political landscape in Punjab, with major parties vying for these crucial seats.
