Sambhajinagar logs about 65% ZP poll voter turnout

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Elections to the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar zilla parishad and panchayat samiti registered around 65% voter turnout by 5:30pm on Saturday, election authorities said.Polling in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, along with Parbhani, Dharashiv and Latur districts in Marathwada, was held in a largely peaceful manner. "The polling process took place smoothly in the region, barring sporadic incidents requiring EVMs to be replaced," said election authorities.Latur registered around 63.5% voter turnout at 5:30pm, whereas Parbhani and Dharashiv districts recorded nearly 56% and 50% turnout, respectively, until 3.30 pm on Saturday, official data showed.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district collector Deelip Swami said, "There were attempts made to spread rumours about the law and order situation at a couple of polling booths in the district. But local authorities and police swung into action on time. As many as 3 training sessions of election staff were held. It ensured free and fair polling for the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti."Voters from different age groups cast their votes in 4 districts of Marathwada, which saw the setting up of all-women-managed ‘Sakhi booths' and other theme-based polling booths.