Tepid response in Mumbai

The sizzling temperature seems to have kept many Mumbaikars at home, as the city averaged a total polling ranging between 50 to 55% for six Lok Sabha seats on Thursday.

Approximate figures released indicate the following: Mumbai South (54%); Mumbai South-Central (55%); Mumbai North-Central (56%); Mumbai North-East (53%); Mumbai North-West (50%); and Mumbai North (52%). Interestingly, for the first time, there was a large turnout in localities dominated by minority communities.  However, filmstars from Hindi and Marathi celluloid were a major draw for voters and tourists who turned up early in the day to catch a glimpse. Polling stations in Santacruz, Vile Parle, Andheri, Oshiwara and Juhu that house celebrities, saw large crowds milling around.

The usual chaos also ensued with many voters not being able to find their names on the list, while some forgot to carry the requisite identification card.Celebs who found their names ‘missing’ from the electoral roll were ad-guru, filmmaker and actor Bharat Dabholkar and Atul Kulkarni. Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar flew down from Dubai to cast his vote with wife Anjali.

Local media from Thane reported that polling officials in one of the stations had to order candles to ensure voting continues without disruption after a power outage.