Haryana civic body polls witness 46.3% turnout

Polling was held for seven MCs, besides byelections for mayoral posts in Ambala and Sonepat; results will be declared on March 12

- Bhavey Nagpal/Sunil Rahar

KARNAL/ROHTAK: Nearly 46.3% of over 51 lakh eligible voters in Haryana cast their votes in the civic body elections till 6pm, according to the State Election Commission. Sonepat reported the lowest turnout, with only 31% of voters exercising franchise.

In Sonepat, the by-election for the mayor's seat was held after former mayor Nikhil Madan (Congress) switched to the BJP and won the 2024 Assembly polls.

Additionally, elections were held in Kharkhoda municipal committee for the post of chairperson and councillors.

In contrast, Siwani municipal committee in Bhiwani recorded the highest turnout at 85.9%, followed by Mahendragarh's Kanina municipal committee at 85.8%.

Key political figures cast their votes Rohtak BJP's mayoral candidate Ram Avtar Valmiki and opponent Suraj Mal Kiloi claimed victory post-voting, while Sonepat BJP's Rajiv Jain and rival Kamal Diwan cast their votes.