Bhubaneswar, April 18: Khurda district that consists of three Assembly segments of the city witnessed the lowest voter turnout in the state. In contrast, tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district recorded the highest — 82 per cent polling.

“Almost all the districts have witnessed more than 70 per cent voting in this election except one or two districts,” said state’s chief electoral officer Mona Sharma.

Despite sustained voter awareness campaign, Bhubaneswar registered only 40 per cent voter turnout.

Sharma said urban apathy and the voter list related problem were the main reason for such a low turnout. “Despite several steps taken for providing information regarding booth location and voter registration, many people complained about it and they failed to cast votes. Besides, many educated voters in the city refrained from voting,” said Sharma.

Election for both 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly segments were held in two phases in the state, in which the state witnessed 74.30 per cent voting — 10 per cent higher than last general elections held in 2009.

In the first phase of polls that was held mostly in the Maoist-hit western and southern districts on April 10, the polling percentage was 74.48, despite the rebel threat. Voting at 22 poling stations was affected due to various reasons. In the second phase that was held mostly in the coastal belt on April 17, the polling percentage was recorded 73.36.

While Khurda could garner 56 per cent votes, Ganjam, the home district of chief minister Naveen Patnaik, witnessed 65 per cent polling.

In Khurda while the rural pockets recorded higher voting rate, three Assembly constituencies in Bhubaneswar saw below 45 per cent polling. The Bhubaneswar (north) seat, which is the largest Assembly segment in the state in term of number of electors, recorded 40 per cent polling, while the Bhubaneswar (central) Assembly constituency saw 41 per cent and Ekamra, where as many as 20 candidates were contesting, witnessed 46 per cent turnout.

Sources said many residents in the city possessed two voter identity cards, and they prefer to cast their votes in their native places. Besides, consecutive holidays prompted many people to go for holidaying instead of voting as casting votes is not compulsory in India.

“There is an increase of around 7 per cent polling in Bhubaneswar, and with more campaign and streamlining of things, we will see better turnout in the coming days,” said an officer.