Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with his family, cast his vote at Shilaj Primary School in Ahmedabad during the ongoing local body elections. He urged citizens, especially first-time and young voters, to participate actively. Patel emphasized the importance of citizens fulfilling their democratic duty and enhancing participation in local governance.
Voting has been underway across Gujarat for municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats. The process involves thousands of booths under State Election Commission supervision. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil also voted at Uttar Gujarat Vidyalaya in Surat, accompanied by his family, including his 89-year-old mother. State Cabinet Minister Arjun Modhwadia cast his vote in his native Modhwada village in Porbandar district, stressing the significance of voter participation in democracy.
Democracy’s strength lies in the voters, as highlighted by Arjun Modhwadia after voting. He emphasized that participation in elections is a civic responsibility. Local self-government institutions are crucial for village and city development, and citizens are urged to vote in large numbers. Rajkot Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera also participated in the electoral process by casting his vote with his family at a polling station in the city.
In Barwala, Botad district, polling is taking place for municipal, taluka panchayat, and district panchayat seats under tight security measures. Peaceful voting has been reported by officials. Saints from the Swaminarayan Temple also took part in the voting process. BJP MLA Durlabhjibhai Dethariya from the Tankara constituency in Morbi district cast his vote as polling continued across local bodies.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi voted in Surat and encouraged young voters to actively participate, stating that the elections are part of a broader development-oriented mandate. The State Election Commission has announced that voting will continue until evening, with counting scheduled for April 28.
