India, March 3 -- The municipal elections in Gurugramwitnessed a historically low voter turnout of 41.8% by 8.30pm on Sunday, marking a sharp decline from previous years, officials said. Despite extensive campaigning by political parties and independent candidates, voter apathy and administrative mismanagement were cited as major reasons for the sluggish participation.Before this, 55.92% votes were polled in 2017 municipal elections.

Polling booths in high-rise societies and urban pockets recorded significantly lower turnout than rural and older city areas, continuing a trend of civic disengagement among condominium residents and plotted colony voters. Disillusionment with local governance and dissatisfaction with candidates further cont...