BIG ROAR FOR VOTES ENDS IN WHIMPER

At 5pm on Monday, only 48.66 per cent voting was reported in the state; it was alleged the poll process was deliberately delayed by the EC and many voters preferred not to exercise their franchise rather than wait in long queues in hot and humid weather

- KALPESH MHAMUNKAR

A poor voter turnout in the fifth and last phase of polling in Maharashtra on Monday has exacerbated the guessing game about the poll outcome. The six constituencies of Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Nashik, Dindori, Dhule, Bhiwandi and Palghar were the 13 that went to the polls on Monday. By 5pm, only 48.66 per cent voting had been reported in the state, including Mumbai. Whether the weather and the timing of the poll date during summer vacation caused this lacklustre turnout are points to ponder.

According to political observers, because of the split in the Shiv Sena, many traditional supporters of the undivided party stayed away, to register their unhappiness over the betrayal of the ideology of the party's founder, the late Bal Thackeray. The opposing Maha Vikas Aghadi alleged bias on the part of the Election Commission. It alleged that the poll process was deliberately delayed by the EC and consequently, many voters preferred not to exercise their franchise rather than wait in long queues in hot and humid weather. With humidity at 81 per cent, even 35° C felt like 41° C.