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Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Second Phase: Tripura leads again with 77.53% in voter turnout and UP recorded the lowest with 52.74% till 5 PM

April 26, 2024, 8:24 pm

The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections during a press briefing. Scheduled to commence on April 19 and conclude on June 4, the elections will span across 7 phases. Throughout this period, a total of 543 Principal Constituencies will be established for voting. The current administration’s term is set to conclude on June 16.

These are the voter turnout as recorded around 5 PM in the states and union territories

Assam: 70.66%

Bihar: 53.03%

Chhattisgarh: 72.13%

Jammu And Kashmir: 67.22%

Karnataka: 63.90%

Kerala: 63.97%

Madhya Pradesh: 54.83%

Maharashtra: 53.51%

Manipur: 76.06%

Rajasthan: 59.19%

Tripura: 77.53%

Uttar Pradesh: 52.74%

West Bengal: 71.84%

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 8 seats in Uttar Pradesh vote today

April 26, 2024, 11:52 am

Political leaders in Uttar Pradesh, including BJP leader Atul Garg, BJP MP Tejveer Singh, and Congress candidate Danish Ali, were among those who cast their votes on Friday during the second phase of Lok Sabha polls.

Garg, the BJP candidate from Ghaziabad, expressed his satisfaction, stating that voting is an opportunity to serve the nation. “I have cast my vote today. I am feeling very good. I will visit the constituency now. To vote is an opportunity to serve the nation,” Garg told ANI.

BJP MP Tejveer Singh voted in Mathura in the state on Friday.

Congress candidate from Amroha, Danish Ali, expressed confidence in winning the Lok Sabha election from the Amroha parliamentary constituency. “The trend is clear that people are voting for change. In this second phase of elections, we are confident that the people of Amroha will give me their blessings. People are troubled due to unemployment and inflation. There was a complaint of EVM malfunction, which was fixed,” Ali said.

Danish Ali is the sitting MP from the state’s Amroha parliamentary constituency.

Uttar Pradesh voted on eight parliamentary constituencies today, including Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, and Bulandshahr.

According to the Election Commission of India, voting began at 7 am on Friday in 88 constituencies across 13 states and union territories for the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls.

Initially, 89 constituencies were scheduled to go to the polls today. However, the EC later announced that the voting in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul would not take place during the second phase due to the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate.

There are 8.08 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters among the electorate who will decide the fate of candidates. As many as 5,929 third-gender electors will also exercise their franchise in the second phase of the polls.

The first phase of voting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha election, the world’s largest electoral exercise, was held on April 19 in 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs. According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout registered was over 62 per cent. The third phase of the election will be held on May 7.

TN Governor RN Ravi Votes, Urges Enthusiastic Participation

April 19, 2024, 2:04 pm

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and his wife Lakshmi put forth their votes at a polling booth in Chennai in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Friday.

Governor RN Ravi also encouraged people to participate enthusiastically and fulfill their democratic responsibility.

After casting his vote, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi said, “This is the festival of democracy. I am immensely happy and proud to have participated in it. This mark (inked finger) is the most beautiful insignia of a citizen.”

“I urge all citizens, especially first-time voters, to take part in this festival with full enthusiasm,” he added.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also called on voters to fulfill their democratic obligation. Sharing his voting experience on his official X Handle, the Tamil Nadu CM posted pictures and stated, “I have done my Democratic duty. I request people to do their democratic duty.”

The Tamil Nadu CM also encouraged young voters to participate in the electoral process with enthusiasm.

“Everyone vote correctly. Especially young people, who are first-time voters should vote with enthusiasm! The future of our India is in your hands…”

Voting is currently in progress for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu during the first phase of the general elections.

The first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the extensive seven-phase electoral process began at 7:00 am. Voters will continue to cast their votes until 6:00 pm.

In Tamil Nadu during the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, consisting of the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, secured a landslide victory by winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state.

Those participating in the first phase include constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The second phase is scheduled for April 26, followed by subsequent phases on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, respectively.

According to ECI data, an estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 First Phase: Tripura leads with 80.17% in voter turnout while Bihar recorded the lowest with 48.50%

April 19, 2024, 12:23 pm

The Election Commission of India announced dates for the 2024 Lok Sabha election through a press conference. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are set to be held in 7 phases beginning on April 19 and ending on June 4. A total of 543 Principal Constituencies will be set up throughout the elections. CEC Rajiv Kumar arrived at the press conference with Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu at 3 pm. On June 16, the current administration will come to an end.

These are the voter turnouts as recorded in the states and union territories.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 56.87%

Arunachal Pradesh: 67.15%

Assam: 72.10%

Bihar: 48.50%

Chhattisgarh: 63.41%

Jammu & Kashmir: 65.08%

Lakshadweep: 59.02%

Madhya Pradesh: 67.08%

Maharashtra: 55.35%

Manipur: 69.13%

Meghalaya: 74.21%

Mizoram: 54.23%

Nagaland: 56.91%

Puducherry: 73.50%

Rajasthan: 56.58%

Sikkim: 69.47%

Tamil Nadu: 65.19%

Tripura: 80.17%

Uttar Pradesh: 58.49%

Uttarakhand: 54.06%

West Bengal: 77.57%

Violence Reported in West Bengal Elections; TMC and BJP Lodge Complaints

April 19, 2024, 11:32 am

Intermittent instances of violence are emerging amidst the ongoing elections in West Bengal, where voting is underway for three seats – Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. As of 10 am, both the TMC and BJP had filed numerous complaints with the Election Commission regarding violence in the Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency.

In another incident, in the Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, a Barel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) cell explosion occurred approximately 500 meters away from a polling booth in the Galgam area of Bijapur during ongoing elections. According to reports, a security personnel member, who was part of a team conducting area domination exercises, sustained injuries in the blast.

The other states and Union Territories where elections are being held in the first phase today include Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5 seats), Bihar (4 seats), Chhattisgarh (1 seat), Madhya Pradesh (6 seats), Maharashtra (5 seats), Manipur (2 seats), Meghalaya (2 seats), Mizoram (1 seat), Nagaland (1 seat), Rajasthan (12 seats), Sikkim (1 seat), Tamil Nadu (39 seats), Tripura (1 seat), Uttar Pradesh (8 seats), Uttarakhand (5 seats), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1 seat), Jammu and Kashmir (1 seat), Lakshadweep (1 seat), and Puducherry (1 seat).

In the first phase, at least 16.63 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes at 1.87 lakh polling stations. There are a total of 18 lakh polling officials deployed on poll duty. The eligible voters consist of 8.4 crore men, 8.23 crore women, and 11,371 third-gender electors. Among the 3.51 crore young voters aged 20-29 years, there are 35.67 lakh first-time voters registered to cast their votes in the first phase.

Tamil Nadu Phase 1 Polling Live: Annamalai Accuses Election Officials of Removing 1 Lakh Voter Names

April 19, 2024, 11:04 am

In the initial phase of the Lok Sabha elections, all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu are embroiled in a high-stakes contest involving the DMK, BJP, and AIADMK, with outcomes anticipated by June 4. Prominent contenders include K Annamalai from the BJP in Coimbatore and Tamilisai Soundararajan in Chennai South.

Apr 19, 2024 05:28 IST

Coimbatore BJP candidate K Annamalai alleged that election officials had removed approximately 1 lakh voter names from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency.

Apr 19, 2024 04:55 IST

Satyabrata Sahoo updates on latest voting percentage. “Till 3 PM, the voting percentage for the entire state is 51.41%. The highest percentage of voting has been noted in Dharmapuri at 57.86%. Namakkal comes second with 57.67% voting… Minimum voting has been reported in the three constituencies of Chennai. Chennai Central is at 41.47%, Chennai South is at 42.10%, Chennai North is at 44.84%. Voting is going on smoothly in all the places,” he said.

Apr 19, 2024 04:55 IST

“We are also Amma’s followers. People understand this and will vote for us…This time NDA will win in many constituencies in Tamil Nadu,” stated AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran.

Apr 19, 2024 03:00 IST

51.41% voter turnout recorded at 3 PM.

Apr 19, 2024 01:37 IST

Voter turnout gets to 39.52 per cent by 1 PM.

Apr 19, 2024 01:37 IST

Dhanush and Ajith casts vote.

Apr 19, 2024 01:11 IST

Tamil Vettri Kazhagam president and Actor Vijay cast his vote.

Apr 19, 2024 01:10 IST

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and leaders vote

Apr 19, 2024 01:07 IST

Two voters die in Tamil Nadu in polling booths

Apr 19, 2024 12:31 IST

Governor RN Ravi stresses, “This is the festival of democracy…I am immensely happy and proud to have participated in it. This mark (inked finger) is the most beautiful insignia of a citizen.”

Apr 19, 2024 11:43 IST

Tamil Nadu records a 23.72 per cent turnout at 11 am.

Apr 19, 2024 11:18 IST

DMK leader A Raja participates in the voting process in Tamil Nadu’s Perambalur constituency, while actor Ajith Kumar exercises his voting privilege in Thiruvanmiyur for the Lok Sabha elections.

Apr 19, 2024 11:05 IST

Actor Dhanush arrives at a polling booth in Alwarpet, Chennai.

Apr 19, 2024 11:01 IST

Satyabrata Sahoo, the Chief Electoral Officer in Tamil Nadu, on Friday, reported that Chennai Central experienced low voter turnout because Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were delayed at certain locations due to technical issues.

“Till 9 AM, it is 12.55 per cent. Chennai Central has the lowest voter turnout of 8.59 per cent. There were delays in EVMs due to technical faults at 4-5 places but all were rectified. The election is going smoothly as of now in the state,” he said.

EVM delays caused Low Voter Turnout: Satyabrata Sahoo

April 19, 2024, 10:44 am

Nevertheless, the Election Commission’s official voter turnout application indicated that the turnout in the southern state stood at 9.21 percent as of 9 am.

Voting is currently underway for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. As per data released by the Election Commission of India, West Bengal witnessed a voter turnout of 15.09 percent, while Madhya Pradesh recorded a turnout of 15 percent as of 9 a.m.

Voting percentages for the states participating in phase 1 elections are as follows: Andaman and Nicobar Islands – 8.64 percent, Arunachal Pradesh – 6.29 percent, Assam – 11.15 percent, Bihar – 9.23 percent, Chhattisgarh – 12.02 percent, Jammu and Kashmir – 10.43 percent, Lakshadweep – 5.59 percent, Maharashtra – 6.98 percent.

The voting percentages for the states participating in phase 1 elections are as follows: Manipur – 11.91 percent, Meghalaya – 13.71 percent, Mizoram – 11.22 percent, Nagaland – 10.64 percent, Puducherry – 10.11 percent, Rajasthan – 10.67 percent, Sikkim – 7.92 percent, Tamil Nadu – 8.25 percent, Tripura – 15.21 percent, Uttar Pradesh – 12.66 percent, Uttarakhand – 10.54 percent.

The voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections surpassed 67 percent. In the meantime, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin exercised his franchise in Alwarpet, Chennai, stating that he fulfilled his democratic responsibility to safeguard the country.

MK Stalin also requested to the voters to do their democratic duty. Taking to his official X Handle, the Tamil Nadu CM posted his pictures during the voting and said, “I have done my Democratic duty. I request all should do their democratic duty.”

Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise began at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise the franchise until 6:00 pm.

In the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, consisting of the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI (M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, achieved a sweeping victory, securing 38 out of the 39 seats in the state.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voting Update: Sadhguru votes in first phase

April 19, 2024, 10:19 am

A renowned spiritual leader and a founder of Isha Foundation Sadhguru casted his vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Through his participation, he expressed the importance of voting and civic duty.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev casts his vote for the first phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 in Coimbatore. pic.twitter.com/VZ5A4FNXvT

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Meanwhile, polling has begun for the 39 Lok Sabha seats of Tamil Nadu, in the first phase of the general election. With BJP looking to increase its vote share and challenge the status quo in the southern state. Which for decades has remained the stronghold of the two regional parties- DMK & AIADMK. But BJP this time looks confident not just winning hugely in terms of its vote share. But also looks confident of acquiring huge seats in the state.

SP Leader ST Hasan Slams Modi’s Rally Clash with Election Day

April 19, 2024, 10:10 am

ST Hasan, a leader from the Samajwadi Party, strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for holding an election rally on the same day as the first phase of the 2024 general election.

“The election commission should take cognizance of the matter. I believe that this is not justified for free and fair elections,” Hasan told ANI.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to conduct public rallies in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Damoh in Madhya Pradesh, and Wardha in Maharashtra on Friday.

Hasan urged voters to exercise their rights to cast their votes.

“This is the festival of democracy in which people cast their vote. Casting votes is required to save democracy and the Constitution. The kind of ‘jumle’ they (BJP) provide and messages they deliver to fool people,” he said

Initially, ST Hasan submitted his nomination for the Moradabad seat, but later withdrew it when the SP announced Ruchi Vira as the candidate.

Today, elections are taking place in Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina (reserved for Scheduled Castes), Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh. In the first phase, voting is underway in 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories.

Over 16 crore eligible voters are participating in the first phase of elections. Polling for assembly elections in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim began concurrently with the commencement of voting for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday morning.

Arunachal Pradesh is conducting elections for two Lok Sabha seats and its 60-member Assembly. Additionally, Sikkim is voting for 32 assembly seats and a single Lok Sabha seat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc, INDIA, a coalition of opposing parties formed to challenge the BJP in the general elections, is aiming to remove him from office.

A total of 16.63 crore voters are going to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, deciding the fate of 1625 candidates, with Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Bhupendra Yadav, and Arjun Ram Meghwal among several Union ministers in the fray.

Common people have to rise above caste and religion and vote for PM Modi: Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary

April 19, 2024, 9:49 am

As the first phase of polling began on Friday, Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary urged voters to cast their ballots considering the progress made in the state. He called upon eligible voters to transcend caste and religion and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the polls.

“Polling is taking place on the four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar regarding that I want to make a special request from the voters to cast their votes on ‘development, development and development.’ With the progressive work done by PM Modi in the last 10 years and the fight that he (PM) picked up against corruption, therefore common people have to rise above caste and religion and vote for PM Modi,” he said.

“People of Bihar are quite smart, they know very well whom to give the mandate and this time 40/40 seats will be accorded to BJP by them (people),” the Samrat Choudhary added.

Voting is currently in progress for four parliamentary constituencies in Bihar: Aurangabad, Gaya, Jamui, and Nawada.

Bihar will undergo voting in all seven phases. The second phase is scheduled for April 26, the third phase for May 7, the fourth phase for May 13, the fifth phase for May 20, the sixth phase for May 25, and the seventh phase for June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4.

Mahagathbandhan, the opposition coalition in Bihar consisting of the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, declared that the RJD, its primary constituent, will contest 26 out of the state’s 40 Lok Sabha seats in the elections.

The NDA in Bihar has also reached a seat-sharing agreement with the Janata Dal-United (JDU) and the LJP for the Lok Sabha polls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is poised to contest 17 seats, while the JD-U will contest 16 seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, consisting of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, secured a dominant victory by winning 39 out of 40 seats.

In the previous general elections, all four seats were won by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — the BJP in Aurangabad, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) in Gaya, and the then-united Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in both Jamui and Nawada. With 40 Lok Sabha seats, Bihar is regarded as one of the most crucial states in Indian politics.

Amit Shah: “Every vote of yours has power to create secure, developed, and self-reliant India”

April 19, 2024, 9:28 am

Encouraging the citizens to vote in large numbers in this first phase of elections, Union Home minister Amit Shah declared that every vote of yours will lead to the creation of secure, developed and self-reliant India.

Talking about the importance of Vote, the Union home minister said, “It is an important day today, as the first phase of voting is taking place in the country. I appeal to all the voters who are voting in this phase to vote in large numbers because every vote of yours has the power to create a secure, developed, and self-reliant India. Your vote is not only meant to determine the fate of a Lok Sabha or a candidate but also to shape a bright future for India.”

Writing further on twitter (Now X), he also said

“My appeal is to choose a strong and decisive leadership that has shown the determination to free the country from corruption, nepotism, and appeasement while fulfilling its promises,”

This is another instance when a key leader of the BJP has again requested people to vote in maximum numbers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too earlier called upon people to vote in large numbers.

“2024 Lok Sabha Elections Begin Today! As 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs are going to polls, I appeal to all those voting for these constituencies to vote in record numbers. I especially appeal to young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!”

This Lok Sabha, Amit Shah is fighting election from Gandhinagar seat, which he had previously won in 2019.

The first phase of the election is organized across 102 parliamentary constituencies covering 21 states and Union Territories.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote until 6:00 pm.

Rahul Gandhi Calls for Voter Turnout, Emphasizing the Power of Each Ballot

April 19, 2024, 9:16 am

At the onset of the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged all eligible voters to participate in the electoral process, highlighting the significance of each vote to “decide the future of Indian democracy and the coming generations.”

“Today is the first phase of voting! Remember, each of your votes is going to decide the future of Indian democracy and the coming generations. So come out and strengthen democracy by applying the power of your vote to the wounds inflicted on the soul of the nation in the last 10 years. Defeat hatred and open the ‘Muhobbat ki Dukan’ in every corner,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special appeal to young and first-time voters, urging them to participate in large numbers, highlighting the significance of each vote and the importance of every voice.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 States and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers. After all,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2024

“The 2024 election commences today! As 102 seats across 21 states and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!” the PM said in a post on X.

The world’s largest democratic event began in the country today, marking the start of a marathon process spread across seven phases to elect 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

The upcoming election, scheduled from April 19 to June 1, is poised to become the second-longest polling exercise in the country’s electoral history, following the first general election, which lasted over five months from September 1951 to February 1952. The previous general elections in 2019 were also conducted in seven phases.

Today, a total of 102 constituencies spanning 21 states and Union Territories will participate in the first phase of voting. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

In the first phase, voters from constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry will participate in the election.

In Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, voting will occur in all seven phases, with the first phase scheduled for April 19.

On April 19, single-phase polling is scheduled to take place in Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Additionally, voters in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will also participate in their respective assembly elections today, as announced by the Chief Election Commissioner on March 16.

Out of the total 96.8 crore registered voters, 49.72 crore are men, while 47.1 crore are women.

PM Modi Encourages High Voter Turnout as Phase 1 of LS Polls Commences

April 19, 2024, 7:56 am

As the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections commenced on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all eligible voters to cast their ballots in unprecedented numbers.

PM Modi has specifically appealed to young and first-time voters to turn out in large numbers, highlighting the significance of each vote and the importance of every voice.

“The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 states and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!” the PM said in a post on X.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 States and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers. After all,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2024

The world’s largest democratic event began in the country today, marking the commencement of the first phase of a marathon process spanning seven phases to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

This Lok Sabha election, scheduled from April 19 to June 1, is poised to become the second lengthiest polling process in the nation’s electoral history, trailing only the inaugural general election which spanned over five months from September 1951 to February 1952. The previous general elections in 2019 were also conducted in seven phases.

Today, a total of 102 constituencies spanning 21 states and Union Territories will participate in the first phase of voting. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

The constituencies participating in the first phase include those from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. In Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, voting will occur in all seven phases, starting from April 19.

Among the total 96.8 crore registered voters, 49.72 crore are men, while 47.1 crore are women.

Lok Sabha elections 2024 voting update: Polling begins on 102 seats in first phase

April 19, 2024, 7:32 am

The first stage of Lok Sabha elections in 2024 began at 7.00 am. on Friday, covering 102 parliamentary constituencies spread across 21 states and Union Territories. Voters used their right to vote till 6:00 p.m. Polling for the assembly elections began simultaneously in the northeastern states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Sikkim concentrated on winning 32 assembly seats and one Lok Sabha seat, whereas Arunachal Pradesh sought to elect its 60-member Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks his third consecutive term, while the opposition coalition, INDIA, aims to displace him from power. The backdrop of these elections involves the arrest of opposition leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on charges of corruption in a liquor policy case. Allegations of unfair treatment were raised by the opposition, citing instances such as frozen accounts by income tax authorities and other purported obstacles imposed by the ruling BJP.

A considerable electorate of 16.63 crore voters is poised to cast their votes in the initial phase, deciding the fate of 1625 candidates, including prominent figures like Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Bhupendra Yadav, and Arjun Ram Meghwal. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a deployment of 1.87 lakh polling stations and 18 lakh personnel across the 102 constituencies participating in the first phase. This phase covers the largest number of parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories.

The voting populace comprises an estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors. Key issues under scrutiny include unemployment, violence against women, agricultural grievances, paper leaks, land rights of tribal communities, and inflation. Pre-poll surveys indicate significant concerns among voters regarding price rises and unemployment.

Various regions have highlighted specific concerns. For instance, Assam is grappling with demands for improved facilities and wages for tea garden workers. States like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have emphasized issues such as inflation, agricultural challenges, crimes against women, and paper leaks.

Puducherry placed the demand for full statehood at the forefront, while Tamil Nadu pressed for the establishment of proposed AIIMS, exemption from the NEET examination, and flood relief. Manipur, amidst ethnic tensions, has special arrangements for internally displaced voters.

The electoral landscape showcases significant contests across various constituencies, with notable candidates vying for seats. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan are among the states witnessing crucial electoral battles in this phase.

The Election Commission has undertaken extensive measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, including the deployment of central forces, webcasting at polling stations, and surveillance teams to combat malpractices. Strict vigilance is maintained on inter-state and international borders to prevent illicit activities. Additionally, voters are cautioned against misinformation and fake news, particularly on social media platforms.

The 2019 elections, also held in seven phases, saw the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) securing 45 of the 102 seats in the first phase, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 42 seats. Subsequent phases of the current elections are scheduled for April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, as announced by the Election Commission of India on March 16. Bye-elections to 26 assembly constituencies will coincide with the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

CEC Urges High Turnout as Lok Sabha Elections Begin: 16.86 Crore Voters Eligible

April 19, 2024, 7:16 am

As the Lok Sabha Elections kick off today, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has encouraged maximum participation, noting that approximately 16.86 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase across 102 constituencies. He revealed that nearly 1.86 lakh polling stations have been established for this purpose. Kumar emphasized in an interview with ANI that preparations for the elections commenced two years ago.

“From preparing the border list to preparing polling stations, finding their routes, deployment of forces, finding out vulnerable booths, creating amenities at the booths–light, shade, ramps, minimum facilities…it’s a tremendous exercise that started over two years ago.”

He also mentioned the Election Commission’s utilization of technological advancements to enhance inclusivity and encourage broader participation in the electoral process. “So everything is set. It is now time for voters to come and vote in large numbers at every polling station.”

Kumar emphasized the importance of voter engagement, particularly urging women and youth to actively participate in the elections.

“We made an amendment in the Act where qualifying dates were made four instead of one – on January 1 of every year. There are a large number of young voters. There are voters who are transgenders. It’s a truly inclusive voter list that has been prepared. The campaigning for the first phase is over. The silent period is over. Now this is the day of polling, the first one. It’s for the voters to come, enjoy it at the polling station,” he said.

The CEC expressed great enthusiasm at the sight of young voters registering for participation in the elections.

“We also did a lot of activities in the colleges and very youth-specific activities. We see a lot of enthusiasm. We have also done a lot of awareness-raising activities. So, if you keep using your finger on social media or on the phone the whole day, this is the time to spend five minutes and enjoy the power of voting at the polling station. Press the button on the electronic voting machine there. I’m sure this time our young voters are going to come ….we have appealed to them to become our ambassadors, to become our influencers,” he said.

“Bring as many friends as possible including family members to the polling station. Enjoy the festival. Feel the responsibility of selecting and electing your own government,” he added.

Addressing methods to facilitate the maximum participation of specially-abled and elderly individuals in the Lok Sabha election, the CEC mentioned the provision for them to cast their vote from the convenience of their homes.

“We have earmarked in our electoral rolls persons with disabilities, 40 per cent and above. There is a facility for them to cast a vote from the comfort of their home, if they so desire. But our experience is that many of them want to come to the polling station. And we provide them a volunteer, we provide them with wheelchairs, and it’s not a question of physical comfort that we provide, it’s a question of giving them the due respect and empowerment,” he said.

In a landmark move for the Lok Sabha Election, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced the option of home voting for the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) for the first time. Eligible voters, including those above 85 years of age and PwDs with a 40 percent benchmark disability, can now avail themselves of this facility. Across the nation, there are over 81 lakh registered voters aged 85 and above, and more than 90 lakh registered PwD voters.

“We have issued great guidelines to political parties to be very sensitive while talking about people with disabilities…they are more capable than most of us. It’s a question of just giving them those opportunities,” Kumar added.

He also discussed the efforts to streamline the voting process in Manipur, which has been marred by ethnic violence.

“We have made a special scheme for voting in the camps. There are more than 18,000 people who have already registered with us to vote from the camps. Our teams will take their vote wherever they are. Our attempt was and is that nobody is disfranchised, everybody is given a chance to vote. Postal ballet, through camp…wherever. So we have done something, and I’ am sure people will vote and establish the point that it’s the ballot that gives the answers,” he said.

Explaining strategies to address muscle power, monetary influence, misinformation, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the CEC highlighted the implementation of numerous security and non-security measures aimed at ensuring safety and curbing violence.

“We are informing of all the steps we have taken to tackle the MCC violations and the money seizures done to the media and to everybody at large. So, everything is being reported and today is the day of voting.”

The CEC mentioned the deployment of Strategic Surveillance Teams (SSTs) and Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) in addition to police personnel as part of the measures.

“A large number of security and non-security measures are in place. The only point is that people must come and vote. Whoever is listening, please come and vote. It’s phase one, and there are six phases to come. Find out your polling station through our applications.We have distributed VIS (voter information slips),” he said.

“More than 16 crore voter slips have been distributed in phase one. It’s a kind of invitation that is reaching your house, saying this is your polling station. This is your voter list. Please come and vote. youth, male, female, old age, transgender, everybody we are looking for. Our staff is a very well trained. Teams are there at all the polling stations to welcome you very, very courteously. Please come,” the CEC noted.

In the first phase, polling will take place across constituencies in 21 states and union territories. These include Arunachal Pradesh (two seats), Assam (five), Bihar (four), Chhattisgarh (one), Madhya Pradesh (six), Maharashtra (five), Manipur (two), Meghalaya (two), Mizoram (one), Nagaland (one), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (one), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (one), Uttar Pradesh (eight), Uttarakhand (five), West Bengal (three), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (one), Jammu and Kashmir (one), Lakshadweep (one), and Puducherry (one).

The 2024 general elections in India are scheduled to take place in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1, to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results of the elections are set to be announced on June 4.