Chhattisgarh recorded 67 per cent poll despite sporadic violence across state in the first phase of assembly elections. Briefing reporters in New Delhi on Monday Deputy Election Commissioner R. Balakrishnan said that public enthusiasm in this phase was overwhelming. He said the polling percentage will be revised after getting actual figures from the polling stations. Mr. Balakrishnan said one CRPF jawan has been killed in Dantewada district today in an encounter between security forces and Naxals.

The Polling of two booths have been cancelled as the polling personnel could not reach the booth following IED blast triggered by the ultras. Mr. Balakrishnan said that the date of re-polling of those two booths will be announced later. He said, the election commission has deployed six choppers for airlifting of polling personnel engaged in remote areas of the state. Mr. Balakrishnan added that for the first time ECI deployed one air ambulance for emergency purpose.