Average voter turnout surpasses 25% in the initial four hours of polling.
Maharashtra witnessed a sluggish start to voting, with only 18.8% of voters casting their ballots by 11 am. In contrast, West Bengal emerged as a frontrunner in electoral participation, boasting the highest turnout at 32.82%.
This divergence in voter engagement underscores the diverse dynamics shaping the electoral landscape across regions. Factors such as regional socio-political climates, candidate appeal, and mobilization efforts play pivotal roles in driving voter turnout.
As Maharashtra grapples with tepid voter enthusiasm, stakeholders may intensify outreach initiatives to bolster participation. Meanwhile, West Bengal’s robust turnout signals fervent civic engagement and underscores the significance of electoral mobilization strategies in galvanizing voter interest.
The varying voter turnout rates across states highlight the intricate interplay of local factors influencing democratic participation and electoral outcomes.
In the third phase of Lok Sabha elections, spanning across 93 constituencies in 11 states and Union Territories, a noteworthy voter turnout of over 25% was registered within the initial four hours of polling. This surge in civic participation underscores the electorate’s keenness to exercise their democratic rights.
However, amid the electoral fervor, sporadic incidents of violence marred the proceedings in West Bengal, while reports surfaced regarding poll boycotts in certain villages of Uttar Pradesh. Despite these challenges, voters remained undeterred in their commitment to shaping the nation’s future through the ballot box.
As per the Election Commission’s data, a voting percentage of 25.41% was documented by 11 am, with polling stations open from 7 am to 6 pm to accommodate the electorate.
The robust turnout reflects the electorate’s resolve to uphold the democratic process and make their voices heard on issues of national significance. With the electoral exercise underway, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to ensure a fair and peaceful polling environment across all constituencies. As the day progresses, the nation awaits the final tally, which will encapsulate the collective will of millions of voters participating in the democratic exercise.
Maharashtra reported the lowest voter turnout at 18.8%, contrasting sharply with West Bengal’s leading 32.82%. Assam registered 27.34%, Bihar 24.41%, Chhattisgarh 29.90%, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 24.69%, Goa 30.94%, Gujarat 24.35%, Karnataka 24.48%, Madhya Pradesh 30.21%, and Uttar Pradesh 26.12%. These figures, provided by the Election Commission, delineate the diverse electoral engagement levels across states participating in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
In Uttar Pradesh’s Budaun district, the residents of Dhoranpur village opted for a voter boycott to protest against the lack of attention from political leaders regarding their demand for a road. District Magistrate Manoj Kumar confirmed the boycott and dispatched a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) to address the villagers’ concerns.
Similarly, in Firozabad, three villages—Nagla Jawahar, Neem Kheria, and Nagla Umar—witnessed a complete absence of voting as locals sought to draw attention to their grievances.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the third phase of Lok Sabha polling encountered sporadic violence across four constituencies. Clash es between workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress were reported in various areas of Murshidabad and Jangipur seats.
The TMC, BJP, and Congress-CPI(M) alliance filed separate complaints alleging incidents of poll violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on polling agents. The Election Commission received a total of 182 complaints by 9 am, with a majority originating from Murshidabad and Jangipur constituencies.
Salim also faced opposition in the same area, encountering “go back” slogans as he attempted to enter a booth amidst allegations of CPI(M) booth agents being harassed by purported TMC activists.
Amidst escalating tensions, Mohammed Salim denounced the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for instigating a “reign of terror” in the constituency, urging the Election Commission to intervene promptly. Salim was observed traversing from one booth to another amidst reports of voter intimidation.
In the Karimpur area, clashes erupted between TMC and CPI(M) supporters outside several booths, while similar confrontations unfolded between TMC and Congress activists in the Domkol region. Meanwhile, BJP candidate Dhanajoy Ghosh encountered protests from TMC cadres in the Jangipur area as he endeavored to access certain polling booths.
- In Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah exercised their franchise early.
- Polling is underway for 25 out of 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, along with bypolls in five state assembly constituencies.
- Karnataka witnessed long queues at polling booths, particularly in northern districts, as voters turned out in significant numbers.
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Bhagwanth Khuba, and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge were among the early voters.
- Former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, along with family members, cast their votes in Shikaripura, Shivamogga district.
- In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar, and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar cast their votes.
- Assam witnessed robust voter turnout across four Lok Sabha constituencies, with people using various modes of transport to reach polling stations despite rain.
- Over 1,300 candidates, including prominent figures like Union ministers Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Mansukh Mandaviya, are contesting in the third phase.
- Chhattisgarh recorded a voter turnout of 29.90% in the first four hours of polling across seven Lok Sabha constituencies, with some areas witnessing long queues and a village boycotting elections due to lack of road infrastructure.