National

Over 61% Turnout as Sixth Phase Concludes Across Six States

Jangal Mahal of West Bengal voted Highest 79.4%

26/05/2024/9:55:am

New Delhi: The sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday with a voter turnout of 61.74% across 58 constituencies in six states and two union territories. Notably, the Jangal Mahal area of West Bengal recorded an impressive 79.4% turnout.

According to data released by the Election Commission on its voter voting app at 11:45 pm, the following turnout percentages were observed:

Jharkhand: 63.76%
Uttar Pradesh: 54.03%
Bihar: 55.24%
Jammu and Kashmir: 54.15%
Haryana: 60.06%
Odisha: 60.06%
Delhi: 58.70%

In the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir, the voter turnout was the highest in 40 years.

Completion of Sixth Phase Voting

With the conclusion of the sixth phase, voting has now been completed for 486 seats across 28 states and union territories. The seventh and final phase will take place on June 1, covering 57 seats, and the vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

Measures for Voter Comfort

Given the scorching heat in many parts of India, polling stations were equipped with cold water, coolers, fans, and tents. Wheelchairs were also provided to assist elderly voters. The Election Commission had instructed officials to take adequate measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the hot weather.

Voter Demographics and Polling Logistics

Over 11.13 crore voters were eligible to vote in this phase, comprising 5.84 crore males, 5.29 crore females, and 5,120 third-gender voters. Around 11.4 lakh officials were deployed at 1.14 lakh polling stations.

Allegations by Mehbooba Mufti

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, contesting from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, alleged that her party workers and a polling agent were detained in Bijbehara, Anantnag district. She also claimed that the outgoing call facility on her mobile phone was suspended without explanation. The police stated that those detained were ‘overground workers’ to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, alleged voting was being deliberately slowed at a booth in Anantnag-Rajouri, a claim the administration denied.

High-Profile Voters

In Delhi, notable voters included President Draupadi Murmu, Union ministers S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi government minister Atishi, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and outgoing East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat reported delays due to a battery issue with the EVM control unit at her polling station.

Voting Locations

Voting took place in the following areas:

Delhi: All seven seats
Uttar Pradesh: 14 seats
Haryana: All 10 seats
Bihar: Eight seats
West Bengal: Eight seats
Odisha: Six seats
Jharkhand: Four seats
Jammu and Kashmir: One seat

Additionally, 42 assembly seats in Odisha and a by-election for the Karnal assembly seat in Haryana also went to polls.

Prominent Votes Cast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to turn out in large numbers. In Haryana, BJP’s Manohar Lal Khattar and Naib Singh Saini were among the early voters.

West Bengal Clashes

Minor clashes occurred between TMC and BJP supporters in Ghatal, West Bengal, over polling agents being blocked from booths. In Medinipur, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul faced protests from TMC workers, leading to a clash that required intervention by central forces. In Tamluk, BJP candidate Abhijit Gangopadhyay was met with slogans of opposition.

Voting in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand

In Uttar Pradesh, voting was held in 14 constituencies, including Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, and Allahabad. Jharkhand saw voting in Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur constituencies, with 82.16 lakh voters eligible to vote.

Bihar Voting

In Bihar, 86 candidates contested in eight constituencies. Officials reported 107 arrests for attempting to disrupt the voting process. Security forces seized significant amounts of cash and liquor during the election day.