India’s General Election 2024: First Phase Sees 64% Voter Turnout as Millions Cast Votes

As Phase 1 of the elections concluded, voter turnout varied across different states. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh recorded turnouts of 68% and 68.3% respectively. In 2019, Sikkim had seen 81.4% voter participation, while Arunachal Pradesh had recorded 65.1%. Despite a single-day election, Tamil Nadu witnessed a turnout of 67.2%, a decrease from 72.4% in 2019.

In Rajasthan, the voter turnout was at 57.3%, down from 64% previously. Notably, Uttar Pradesh reported a 59.5% turnout, while Madhya Pradesh had a 66.7% turnout. One of the highest turnouts of 77.6% was reported in Bengal, where the BJP aimed to narrow the gap with Trinamool Congress. The northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, saw high voter participation.

Instances of violence were reported in various regions. In Bengal, clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP workers occurred in Cooch Behar. In Manipur, gunfire was reported at a polling station, and a polling station was vandalized in Imphal East district. Tragic incidents also occurred, with two elderly individuals passing away at a polling booth in Salem district, Tamil Nadu.

As the elections continue, the BJP remains confident in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and is aiming for a strong showing in the south. The Congress, on the other hand, is optimistic about its prospects in various northern states. The results will be announced on June 4.