1 June
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, which commenced at 7 AM, concluded peacefully at 6 PM. Voter enthusiasm was evident as long queues began forming at polling booths from the early hours, despite the scorching heat. The Election Commission ensured strict security measures across the state to facilitate a smooth election process.
By the end of the voting day, Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 58%. Ludhiana, a major city in the state, saw a 51% turnout. However, the election was marked by the notable boycott of three villages: Mushakabad, Tapria, and Khirnia, all near Samrala in the Ludhiana district. The villagers refused to participate in the elections to protest the planned construction of a biogas factory in their area. They voiced concerns that the factory would pollute their water and air, posing serious health risks. The villagers had announced their boycott well in advance as a stand against the factory project.
Despite the overall peaceful atmosphere, there were reports of sporadic clashes in some areas. These incidents, however, did not significantly disrupt the voting process. The Election Commission’s efforts to maintain order and security were largely successful, ensuring that the democratic exercise was conducted without major incidents.
The election day in Punjab demonstrated the high civic engagement of its residents, who braved the heat to cast their votes. While the boycott by certain villages highlights ongoing environmental and public health concerns, the overall peaceful conduct of the elections reflects a robust democratic process. The Election Commission’s effective management and the voters’ commitment contributed to the successful conclusion of this important electoral event.