The first phase of Lok Sabha elections took place on Friday, covering 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories. Incidents of violence were reported in parts of West Bengal and Manipur, causing a drop in voter turnout compared to 2019.
In West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district, the ruling Trinamool Congress accused BJP supporters of causing chaos, assaulting their party workers, and intimidating voters in Sitalkuchi. In Manipur, there were reports of unknown individuals firing near a polling station in Thamanpokpi and violence at the Iroisemba polling station. Despite these issues, Manipur saw a high voter turnout of 68.62%, and Bengal recorded 77.57% when polling ended.
The BJP-led NDA seeks a third term with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the opposition INDIA bloc aims to challenge them. All eyes are on Tamil Nadu, where voting is ongoing for all 39 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP hopes for a strong showing in the state, where PM Modi has campaigned extensively.
Lok Sabha Elections Phase 1 Voting
The 2024 Lok Sabha election kicked off today, April 19, with the first phase of voting. Electors from 21 states and 102 constituencies cast their votes to choose their representatives. This election spans seven phases, ending on June 1, with the results announced on June 4.
In this initial phase, voting occurred in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, and others, with an average turnout of 60.03% by 7pm.
Union Territories like Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry also participated in today’s elections.
The NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims for a third consecutive term, while the INDIA bloc focuses on economic promises like MSP for farmers and cash handouts for women.
Lok Sabha Phase 1 Voting Highlights
- Voter participation across 21 states and Union Territories hit 60.03% by 7 pm, with Tripura leading at 79.9%. This is slightly lower than the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which saw a turnout of 69.43%.
- Notable figures like P Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram, Rajinikanth, Mohan Bhagwat, and MK Stalin have cast their votes.
- P Chidambaram expressed confidence in his party, expecting to win all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu.
- Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna voted in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
- K Annamalai, Tamil Nadu BJP president, voted in Coimbatore and criticized the dominance of Dravidian politics, alleging heavy spending by rival parties.
- Union Minister Nisith Pramanik accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of obstructing voters. Pramanik faced allegations from Trinamool Congress of controlling central forces and other misconduct.
- The first phase covered Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep, with partial voting in other states.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah urged citizens, especially youth, to vote in large numbers.
- In the 102 seats contested, the NDA and UPA won 41 and 45 seats respectively in 2019. However, due to delimitation, six seats have been redrawn.
- Over 18 lakh polling personnel were deployed across 1.87 lakh polling stations in the 21 states and Union Territories. The seven-phase elections will conclude on June 4th, followed by the announcement of results.
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Lok Sabha Elections Phase 1 Voting FAQs
Q.1. What states and Union Territories were covered in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections?
Ans. The first phase covered 21 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, and others.
Q.2. What were the voter turnout rates during the first phase?
Ans. Voter turnout reached 60.03% by 7 pm, with Tripura recording the highest at 79.9%.
Q.3. Which parties are contesting in the elections?
Ans. The BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc are the main contenders in the elections.
Q.4. What notable incidents occurred during the first phase?
Ans. Incidents of violence were reported in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar and Manipur, affecting voter turnout.
Q.5. When will the election results be announced?
Ans. The seven-phase elections will conclude on June 4th, with the results announced thereafter.
