New Delhi/Shimla, Nov 4: Himachal Pradesh recorded a whoppng 74 percent voter turnout today for the assembly elections from all 68 constituencies, Election Commission announced in Delhi.
"The voter turnout was just nine percent in the first hour but by 12 noon, it rose to 30 percent and 60 percent by 3 p.m.," the state's Chief Electoral Officer Narinder Chauhan told IANS.
The maximum turnout was in Kullu district (68 percent) followed by Sirmaur (66 percent), Chamba (62 percent), Solan, Bilaspur and Mandi (59 percent each), Shimla (58 percent) and Kangra district (56 percent), he said.
Polling has been peaceful and no major untoward incident has been reported, except a minor clash between BJP and Congress workers at a polling station in Chamba town, election officials said.
Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal told mediapersons that he expected his party BJP to win more than 45 seats and retain power.
"I thank the people and government employees of the state for a peaceful election. I feel, the elections will bring good news for all. I think we will win more than 45 seats.
"The Congress mega rally in Delhi will have no effect on the elections here. State Congress leaders are ruing the selection of Virbhadra Singh as the state unit chief", said Dhumal.
