India’s General Election Sees 64% Turnout in 2024 Lok Sabha 1st Phase Voting

The Phase 1 of the election saw varying voter turnouts across different states. In Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, the voter turnout was 68% and 68.3% respectively. Tamil Nadu recorded a voting percentage of 67.2%.

Rajasthan observed 57.3% voting, whereas Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh reported 59.5% and 66.7% respectively. The state of Bengal recorded one of the highest turnouts at 77.6%, where incidents of violence were reported between workers of Trinamool Congress and BJP. In the northeastern states, high voter turnout was observed, with Assam at 72.3%, Meghalaya at 74.5%, Manipur at 69.2%, Arunachal Pradesh at 67.7%, and Tripura at a staggering 80.6%.

Incidents of violence and disruptions were reported from various regions. These included clashes between political workers, allegations of voter intimidation, and even instances of vandalism and gunfire at polling stations. Tragic incidents, like the deaths of elderly individuals at polling booths in Salem district, were also reported.

The BJP and the Congress are both projecting confidence ahead of the election results. The BJP is focusing on improving its performance in the south, especially in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, while the Congress is optimistic about making a comeback in the northern states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The results of the election will be announced on June 4th.