Gujarat poll phase-2: BSF soldier votes first before getting married

Gandhinagar: A Border Security Force soldier Chhotusinh Vaghela, whose marriage was scheduled on Monday, reached the polling booth at the Duva village in Tharad constituency to cast his vote before heading to the wedding venue.

Speaking to local media, Vaghela said: “I am posted in West Bengal but I am on leave, as my marriage is scheduled today. But before the wedding procession starts, I and my family members decided to cast our votes. I feel that as I am protecting the country’s borders, it is my duty to protect democracy also and so I gave priority to voting.”

Gujarat witnessed a voter turnout of 19.17 per cent till 11 am in the ongoing second phase of the state Assembly elections on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother Heeraben cast her vote in Gandhinagar.

In the Shilaj area of Ahmedabad city, 93-year-old Amrutaba was enthusiastic to vote. And so was 101-year-old Samuben Prajapti in Vadaj. Several elderly people reached the polling booths either on wheelchair or with the support of family members.

Highest voting till noon was in Chhotaudepur district which recorded 23.33 per cent followed by Sabarkantha (22.20 per cent), Banaskantha (21.10 per cent), Aravalli (20.84 per cent), and in Mehsana 20.73 per cent.

At 16.81 per cent Ahmedabad district recorded the lowest voting in 14 districts. followed by Mahisagar with 17.18 per cent polling.