Mumbai

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Friday expressed concern about the low voter turnout in urban areas like Colaba and Kalyan, comparing it to higher turnout rates in Naxal-affected regions such as Bastar and Gadchiroli, which saw 68% and 78% participation, respectively. He questioned why urban constituencies like Colaba, which recorded only 40% voter turnout in 2019, could not match these figures.

During a review meeting with Maharashtra officials, Kumar highlighted the contrast with areas in Jammu & Kashmir and Manipur, where voter turnouts exceeded 70%, even in sensitive regions. He also pointed out poor participation in high-rise societies in Gurgaon and Faridabad, where turnout was as low as 20%.

Kumar urged officials to engage urban voters through various channels and improve the voting experience by ensuring minimum facilities at polling stations, such as benches in queues. He stressed the need for accessible polling stations and a fair electoral process, warning of action against violations. He also called for vigilance against inducements like cash and freebies, instructing officials to monitor government vehicles to prevent misuse in vote-buying efforts.