Polling to the Shahkot bypoll began here today in which the Congress is hoping to maintain its winning momentum while the Akali Dal is trying to retain the seat. The Shahkot bypoll was necessitated following the demise of Akali MLA Ajit Singh Kohar in February this year.
The ruling Congress has fielded Hardev Singh Laddi while Akali Dal has given ticket to Kohar's son Naib Singh Kohar. The Aam Aadmi Party has nominated Rattan Singh Kakkar Kalan for the Shahkot bypoll. As many as 1,72,676 voters will decide the fate of 12 candidates who are in the fray.
Voters including women could be seen standing in queues at various polling booths in the morning for voting. The Election Commission has deployed a total of 1,022 personnel of security forces, including six companies of the Border Security Force, in Shahkot, official said.
The voting commenced at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. Holiday had already been declared for the electors of Shahkot Assembly constituency which falls in Jalandhar district. The counting of votes will take place on May 31. There are total 236 polling stations in the constituency, out of which, webcasting will…