62.4% Voter Turnout Recorded in First Phase Polling for 102 LS Seats

The first phase of polling for the 2024 General Elections saw a voter turnout of 62.4 per cent across 102 Lok Sabha seats in 21 States and Union Territories. This percentage was lower compared to the 2019 elections, where it stood at 69.43 per cent. The Election Commission of India reported that voting was highest in West Bengal with 77.57 per cent, while states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan saw lower turnouts.

In states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where the BJP had a strong performance in the previous elections, the voter turnout was higher at 63.33 per cent and 63.41 per cent respectively. On the other hand, Bihar recorded the lowest turnout at 47.49 per cent. The voting in Tamil Nadu, where the BJP was hopeful of performing well, recorded a turnout of 62.19 per cent, according to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state.

The Election Commission reported that despite a few incidents of violence in states like West Bengal and Manipur, polling remained largely peaceful. The Commission further stated that the voting figures will be revised with final numbers available on Saturday. The voting in North-eastern states and Union Territories like Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry saw comparatively higher turnouts.

The Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, constantly monitored the progress of polling in Phase 1 from the ECI Headquarters in Nirvachan Sadan. Control rooms were set up at state and district levels to ensure smooth conduct of the elections. Overall, the first phase of polling saw enthusiastic participation from voters across the country.