More than 15% voters are out of town in Panvel taluka

NAVI MUMBAI: Even though the election fever has gripped the city, many voters will not be exercising their right as they are out of town. With exams over and summer break on, many have already gone on a long vacation. Some have also taken advantage of the long weekend and have planned short trips outside the city. Due to this, political parties feel that at least 15% voters will not be voting on Monday.

Activist Shrikant Thakur said, “In Sai Nagar area, around 15% voters have either gone to their native place or are on vacation. These voters will not be able to vote on Monday.”

As it was a long weekend, some have given taken short breaks and have gone out of town. BJP leader Arunkumar Bhagat, from Kamothe, said, “Around 15% voters will not be exercising their vote as they have made plans for the long weekend. Many left on Saturday itself.”

Kharghar Congress leader S H Kalawat (retired) said, “During our house-to-house campaign, we noticed many voters were out of town.”

Meanwhile, this year, the Panvel taluka will be using Maruti vans instead of the usual ST buses to carry the EVMs and ferry the polling staff to the booths. Most of the vans have been parked at V K high school in Panvel. Cop vigil has also been tightened in the area.

PCMC ward officer in-charge of distributing the EVMs Bhagwan Patil said, “Earlier, ST buses were used to transport the polling staff and EVMs. However, this time the Maruti vans will be used for this purpose. All the staff have left for their respective polling stations on Sunday evening.” Patil added, “The polling staff were given 17 forms and EVMs. These forms will be filled by them and it will be collected on their arrival from the polling stations on Monday evening.”