High-Stakes Contest in Vav Assembly By-Election Sees 68% Turnout

The Vav assembly seat in Gujarat's Banaskantha district recorded a voter turnout of 68.01% during Wednesday's by-election. Polling was smooth and included webcasting from all stations. BJP's Swarupji Thakor, Congress's Gulabsinh Rajput, and independent Mavji Patel are the key contenders among others.

The Vav assembly by-election in Gujarat's Banaskantha district witnessed a provisional voter turnout of 68.01% on Wednesday. The polling process was noted for its peaceful progression, according to the Chief Electoral Officer, with no reported incidents.

Webcasting was conducted at all 321 polling stations to ensure transparency. Technical issues required replacements of a ballot unit, a control unit, and three VVPATs. BJP candidate Swarupji Thakor and Congress nominee Gulabsinh Rajput, the latter not registered to vote in Vav, participated early in the day's events.

The contest is primarily between Thakor and Rajput, with additional competition from independent candidate and BJP rebel Mavji Patel, among others. The by-election was called following the resignation of Congress MLA Geniben Thakor. Voter eligibility encompasses 3.1 lakh individuals, split by gender demographics, with results awaited on November 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)