Anand, April 23: The Umreth Assembly by-election in Gujarat’s Anand district recorded a voter turnout of 46.66 percent by 3 p.m. on Thursday, with polling continuing under heat conditions and extensive administrative arrangements.
Voting began at 7 a.m. across 306 polling stations covering both urban and rural segments of the constituency. The electoral area includes 46 villages of Umreth taluka along with parts of Anand rural region and the municipalities of Ode, Umreth, and Boriavi.
According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 2,45,623 voters are eligible to participate in the bypoll, with six candidates contesting the seat. Officials reported that voter turnout remained steady through the day, with higher participation observed during the morning hours and intermittent turnout patterns emerging as temperatures rose in the afternoon.
To manage the heat and support voter turnout, arrangements such as drinking water, oral rehydration solution packets, and shaded waiting areas were provided at polling stations. Authorities stated that polling will continue until 6 p.m., while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
The election process is being conducted with significant manpower deployment. Nearly 1,500 personnel have been engaged, including around 1,348 polling staff, along with 22 micro observers and 19 nodal officers overseeing operations.
Webcasting has been implemented at all polling stations to ensure real-time monitoring of the process. Security arrangements have also been strengthened, with deployment of two Deputy Superintendents of Police, four Police Inspectors, approximately 500 police and home guard personnel, and three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force.
Special measures have been introduced to facilitate inclusive voting. A total of 218 wheelchairs have been made available for elderly and differently-abled voters, supported by 361 volunteers stationed across polling booths. Additionally, six dedicated vehicles have been arranged to assist voters aged 85 and above and persons with disabilities in reaching polling stations.
Voter Assistance Booths have been set up at all polling locations to provide necessary guidance and logistical support.
The electorate includes 4,174 first-time voters in the 18–19 age group, 1,556 voters above 85 years of age, and 1,546 persons with disabilities. Officials confirmed that some voters from these categories had already exercised their franchise through home voting arrangements conducted prior to polling day.
Earlier, 212 election-duty personnel cast their votes through postal ballots between April 15 and April 17.
Voters are permitted to use any one of 12 approved identity documents, including Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, and voter ID card. Non-resident Indian voters are required to present their original passport at polling stations.
The bypoll continues with steady participation under monitored and secured conditions, with authorities focusing on ensuring smooth and inclusive electoral conduct.
