Lok Sabha Elections 2024: First Phase Witnesses Varied Voter Turnout Across 21 States and UTs as of 9:30 am

The highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections of 2024 kicked off on Friday, with the first phase of polling spanning across 21 states and Union Territories, with voting scheduled in 102 constituencies. According to the Election Commission of India, as of 9:30 am, voter turnout percentages vary across the participating states, with West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh leading the charts with 15.09% and 15% respectively. Among the states participating in the first phase, Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded 8.64%, Arunachal Pradesh 6.29%, Assam 11.15%, Bihar 9.23%, Chhattisgarh 12.02%, Jammu and Kashmir 10.43%, Lakshadweep 5.59%, and Maharashtra 6.98%.

The first phase of polling encompasses states like Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, among others. Besides, voting also takes place in Union Territories such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry. A total of 102 constituencies across these states and Union Territories are actively participating in the electoral process today. Meanwhile, four states - Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh - are concurrently conducting assembly elections alongside the Lok Sabha polls, with Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim leading the charge today.

Taking to social media platform “X”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the voters to go and exercise their franchise. “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!” posted the Prime Minister.

The NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims for a third consecutive term, banking on slogans like "abki baar 400 paar", while the opposition INDIA bloc focuses on promises such as MSP for farmers and cash handouts to women.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called upon the voters to go and cast their votes to “strengthen the democracy.” “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 balm of your vote to the wounds inflicted on the soul of the nation in the last 10 years. Defeat hatred and open the 'shop of love' in every corner. #Vote4INDIA,” posted the Wayanad MP.

Notable candidates contesting in this phase include Union ministers, former chief ministers, and key leaders from various political parties, adding intrigue to more than 20 seats. The Lok Sabha Election of 2024 is scheduled to be conducted in seven phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1. Each phase is designated specific dates, with Phase 1 starting on April 19, followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. The electoral process will culminate with the counting of votes and result declaration on June 4.​