Voters in Punjab to be offered 'chhabeel' at polling stations

Voters exercising their franchise in Punjab during the Lok Sabha polls will be offered sweetened water in polling stations as part of the election office's effort to increase turnout.

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C on Tuesday said a target has been set to achieve a voter turnout of more than 70 per cent.

Polling for Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats will be held on June 1.

The state election office will also make efforts to increase the voting percentage in those areas where turnout was low in previous elections.

Punjab's voting percentage during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was 65.96 per cent.

Sibin told reporters that the Model Code of Conduct will be implemented in letter and spirit to ensure free and fair elections in the state.

Elaborate efforts have been undertaken to prevent the use of muscle and money power during the polls, he said.

Sibin also said 25 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Punjab and added that additional deployment will be made.

He reiterated that efforts will be made to increase voting percentage in the state.