Voter Turnout Surges as Panipat Civic Elections Draw to a Close

Polling in Panipat for the mayor and 26 council seats saw a 52.2% voter turnout. Elections were conducted smoothly across 365 booths. Major parties like BJP and Congress are keen on winning. Counting of votes is scheduled for March 12, with results to be announced the same day.

In a significant display of democratic engagement, voters in Panipat, Haryana, turned up at the polls on Sunday to elect a new mayor and 26 councillors. With a voter turnout of 52.2%, the civic elections attracted considerable participation from the electorate of over four lakh eligible voters.

Polling stations, numbering 365, were operational from 8 am to 6 pm. Four candidates vied for the mayoral seat, while 103 candidates contested the council elections. These elections align with similar civic polls held on March 2 in other municipalities like Gurugram and Faridabad.

Despite the looming political challenge, Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed strong confidence in the BJP's prospective victory, citing enhanced governance through a 'triple-engine' government at various administrative levels. Meanwhile, the Congress is hopeful of reclaiming influence in its continued push for electoral revival.

(With inputs from agencies.)