Full-fledged polling booth for one voter at Banej in Gujarat

The Election Commission is all geared up to set up a polling station at Banej inside the sanctuary area of Gir forest region where only one voter will be exercising his vote in the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly election on December 13.

The polling station figured on Gujarat's map for the first time in 2007 for logistical reasons, when one Mahant Bharatdas Darshandas, the sole voter from Banej, began exercising his franchise. This will be third election in Gujarat when he would be casting his vote, an official said.

"Full polling party will be deputed at Banej, which is 20 km inside Gir forest sanctuary area, as a single voter from there Mahant Darshandas (58) will caste his vote," District Election Officer Junagadh Manish Bharadwaj said.

"A booth will be erected at the forest department outpost there, and full staff just like at any other polling station like a presiding officer, two polling officers, a peon and an armed policeman will be deputed at Banej," he said.

Darshandas, who takes pride in being the sole voter at this unique polling station said, "Banej has witnessed migration over the years. Earlier, about 85 people used to reside at Banej, but over the years they have left. Now, I am the only one left behind... and I cast my vote in every election."

ALSO READ

Uma Bharti confident of BJP's victory in MP Assembly elections

Markandeya Katju appeals for release of Sanaullah

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

20 Indian prisoners in Lahore jail mentally ill: Judicial panel