Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Phase 7 Voting Progresses with Brisk Turnout
Voting for the concluding phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections commenced steadily on Saturday, with 26.30% turnout recorded by 11 am. Polling is underway in 57 constituencies spread across seven states and one Union Territory.
Among the key candidates are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Other notable names include Kangana Ranaut, Abhishek Banerjee, Misa Bharti, and Pawan Singh.
Voting began amidst reports of violence in West Bengal, where incidents of bomb-throwing and vandalism marred the process. Notably, Prime Minister Modi urged voters to participate in large numbers to strengthen the democratic fabric.
Key Developments
- Violence erupted in Kultali, South 24 Parganas, where an EVM was reportedly thrown into a pond, triggering a response from the Election Commission.n- BJP President JP Nadda expressed confidence in the party's electoral success, including inroads in Bengal, Odisha, and the South.n- Anurag Thakur, BJP candidate from Himachal Pradesh, praised the voter turnout in his constituency.n- West Bengal registered one of the highest turnouts, at 28.10%, despite violence.n- Kangana Ranaut appealed to Himachal Pradesh voters to participate in the electoral process and expressed optimism about BJP's success.n- Prime Minister Modi faces competition in Varanasi from Ajay Rai (Congress) and Ather Jamal Lari (BSP).n- The BJP-Samajwadi Party-Congress coalition rivalry continues in Uttar Pradesh.n- Over 10.06 crore citizens are eligible to vote in the final phase.n- The seventh phase concludes the exhaustive Lok Sabha polling process that spanned 28 states and Union territories.
Other Concurrent Elections
Odisha holds its final phase of Assembly elections today, coinciding with the Lok Sabha polls. Voting is taking place in 42 Assembly constituencies and four Lok Sabha seats within the state.
