Lack of enthusiasm among voters marked polling in Rajendra Nagar constituency of Delhi Assembly where about only 46 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise.
NEW DELHI: Lack of enthusiasm among voters marked polling in Rajendra Nagar constituency of Delhi Assembly on Saturday where about only 46 per cent of the over 1.37 lakh electorate exercised their franchise.
Polling in Rajendra Nagar, which has 1,37,680 electors in 160 polling booths, was rescheduled after BJP candidate Puran Chand Yogi committed suicide last month in the midst of campaigning.
The electoral battle is being keenly watched as to see whether BJP will be able to cash in on a 'sympathy wave' in favour of Asha, Yogi's wife, or Congress' Ramakant Goswami will register a victory in this saffron party-dominated seat riding on the historic victory in Assembly polls.
Polling which began at 8 a.m. saw lack of enthusiasm among voters in areas like Old and New Rajendra Nagar and some pockets of Karol Bagh and Inderpuri.
People in the constituency said that with results out for 69 seats, polling in the remaining seat may get influenced.
"With no towering personality in the fray and that Congress has already got the majority, these elections become symbolic and of no use. Infact every issue die out after the results on other seats," said 57-year-old I M Bhatia, who came to vote at Salwan Girls Sr Secondary School.
However, in some JJ colonies at Pandav Nagar and Inderpuri, people were coming to vote in good numbers even as such moves in 'Jhuggi-Jhopadis' is seen in favour of Congress.
"But, that is not the case this time as there is a force which can counter it in those areas. Puran Chandji has done a lot of work in those areas and people are happy with that," said BJP candidate Asha while referring to the presence of BSP in the fray.
"Congress victory in Delhi polls will have no impact on the seat as elections for an MLA is fought on local issues. Also, Yogiji remaiNed in opposition for the last ten years but then also people voted for him," Asha said.
Leaving nothing to chance, both Congress and BJP have roped in the services of veterans to garner support in their favour.
While former Chief Minister Madanlal Khurana, who has a considerable clout among Punjabi voters, campaigned for the BJP candidate, Congress campaign for Goswami, who is termed by his opponents as an "outsider", was led by Urban Development Minister Raj Kumar Chouhan.
The Rajendra Nagar constituency has four MCD seats, which are represented by BJP.
Meanwhile, many voters complained that they came to vote with some proofs except identity cards but they were not allowed to vote.
"I am a voter in the area for the past 40 years. But I was not allowed to vote as I did not carry my identity card. I8 had my license proof but that was not considered. My other family members were not sent their voter ID cards," said 80-year-old R K Chopra.
BSP's candidate Trilok Chand Sharma, on the other, is banking on the anger of the people against the Congress and the BJP.
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