First Phase of Lok Sabha Polls Witnesses 62.37% Turnout Amid Incidents of Clashes
New Delhi April 19,2024
The first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commenced across the country, covering 102 constituencies in 21 states and Union Territories. According to the Election Commission (EC), the polling process was largely peaceful, with sporadic incidents reported. As of 9 pm, a turnout of 62.37% was recorded nationwide, although the final figure will be confirmed on Saturday.
Notably, all Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep concluded voting in this phase. However, voters boycotted polling in six districts of eastern Nagaland over the demand for a separate state, resulting in zero turnout in those areas.
Despite challenging weather conditions, including scorching sun and heavy rain, voters exhibited resilience and enthusiasm, queuing up patiently at polling stations to exercise their democratic right. In some heartwarming instances, newlyweds adorned in wedding attire cast their votes immediately after their ceremonies. Particularly encouraging was the robust participation of youth across various constituencies.
In Udhampur constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, the introduction of ‘pink booths’ staffed entirely by women received positive feedback, with a higher turnout observed among female voters. However, technical glitches with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were reported in several centers in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, prompting corrective actions by authorities.
Incidents of violence marred the polling process in certain regions. In Manipur, clashes erupted in Thongju assembly constituency, with shooting incidents reported in various locations. Additional security personnel were deployed to restore order. Similarly, clashes between factions of the BJP and Trinamool Congress occurred in Coochbehar seat of West Bengal, leading to complaints lodged with the police.
In Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, where assembly elections were also held concurrently, voter turnout stood at 69.44% and 70.39%, respectively, with polling conducted peacefully. However, concerns were raised over alleged loss of votes in some areas, particularly in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where the BJP contested one lakh votes.
Furthermore, demands for repolling surfaced in certain centers, while approximately 20 villages across Tamil Nadu boycotted polling due to unresolved grievances with political parties. Tragically, three individuals succumbed to heatstroke while waiting in polling stations, with two fatalities reported in Salem district and one in Tiruvallur district.
