As the Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 progresses, reports indicate a significant turnout with nearly 50% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 3 PM. This robust participation underscores the electorate’s active engagement in the democratic process. It reflects citizens’ enthusiasm and commitment to shaping the future of the nation through their votes. This turnout also signals a vibrant democracy where people exercise their right to choose their representatives. With several more hours remaining, anticipation mounts as the nation eagerly awaits the final tally, which will determine the direction of the country for the coming years.

Phase 1 of Voting for the 18th Lok Sabha Elections

Today, April 19, 2024, marks the commencement of the first phase of voting for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in India. This phase covers 21 states and Union territories, with a total of 102 seats being contested

Voter Turnout and Representation

By 1 pm, nearly 40% of eligible voters had already cast their ballots in the regions where voting was taking place. Over 16.63 crore voters are expected to participate in the democratic process, with equal representation from both men and women, totalling over 8 crore each. The voting is taking place at nearly 2 lakh polling stations across the country

States and Union Territories in Phase 1

The seats being contested in this phase are from the following states and Union territories: 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

Prominent Figures in the Race

Several prominent figures are vying for seats in this phase of the elections. Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Bhupendra Yadav, Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Sarbananda Sonowal are among those contesting. Notably, Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and BJP’s Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai are also in the race

Political Landscape

The BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) is seeking to reinforce its majority, while the opposition INDIA bloc aims for a comeback. In the 2019 elections, the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) clinched victory in 45 out of the 102 seats contested in this phase, while the NDA secured 41 seats. It’s worth noting that six of these seats have undergone boundary redrawing’s as part of the delimitation process

Phases and Dates of the General Elections

The general elections to elect 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha will unfold in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Voter Turnout Till 3 PM

Vidhan Sabha Turnout