AMRITSAR, Feb 13: Millions braving heavy rains voted on Tuesday in the northern Indian state of Punjab in a poll which analysts say will test the popularity of India’s ruling Congress party.

Sixty-five per cent of 16 million voters turned out under a blanket of security to choose from 1,050 contestants vying for 117 seats in the state legislature, national election commission officials said.

“The polling was largely peaceful,” India’s deputy election commissioner R. Bhattacharya said in New Delhi as the eight-hour voting ended at 5pm (1130 GMT).

Some 50 people were briefly detained by the police for trying to disrupt the balloting, one of a series of tough mid-term tests for the Congress, which also governs Punjab.

Analysts said the heavy turnout could upset hopes of the Congress for winning at least 77 constituencies in the Indian breadbasket state.

“This huge turnout is a sign of anti-incumbency sentiments, and the opposition combo of the Akali Dal (regional Sikh Party) and BJP (Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party) will benefit,” political analyst Anand Ojha said.

Candidates waged fierce campaigns in the lead-up to the polls for the state assembly.

The Punjab polls will be followed by votes on Wednesday and Feb 23, in Manipur in the northeast and Uttarakhand in the north. The Congress party currently administers all three states.

Punjab Chief Minister said he was confident he would be returned to office for a second term, despite recent history being against him.—AFP