Airoli recorded 51% polling while Belapur witnessed 50%
Navi Mumbai : A five-cornered fight has made this election a photo finish and more unpredictable. Here in Navi Mumbai Nationalist Congress Party candidates —-Ganesh Naik (Belapur) and his son Sandeep Naik are battling anti-cumbancy.
BJP, on the other hand, is riding the Modi waves. Shiv Sena, which has strong base is fighting on the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. The Congress though has fielded candidates, but unlikely to make any presence in the Assembly elections. The entire Navi Mumbai was in festive mood and as the day progresses, a long queue was seen in front of different booths in and around Navi Mumbai.
According to poll officials, while Airoli recorded 51% of turnout, Belapur has witnessed 50%. However, the percentage is likely to change after final report of voting percentage. Votes begun at 7 A.M. and it was supposed to close at 6 P.M. However, as the last hour witnessed better turnout, there were a big queue even after 6 P.M.
The Election Commission has deployed 34 micro observers at 72 polling stations in Navi Mumbai to closely monitor the movement of trouble mongers and bogus voters.
But so far there were no untoward incidents from any booth in Navi Mumbai.
Meanwhile, major political refrained from prediction. While NCP claimed that they will retain both the seats, both BJP and Shiv Sena were seen optimistic. Counting of votes will be held on October 19.
Indra Bhadra
