Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 59 per cent voter turnout recorded in fifth phase, highest 73 per cent in Bengal

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a roadshow in Ekamra-Bhubaneswar assembly constituency on Monday evening. Patnaik canvassed for BJD MLA and MP candidates in the roadshow on Lingaraj temple road in Old Town area in the state capital.

A voter turnout of around 58 per cent was recorded in Uttar Pradesh where polling was held for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 14 constituencies.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the rise in voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir is indicative of declining dynastic politics in the Kashmir Valley.

The EVMs were sealed at a polling station- 237, Sabha Bawan, Sonpur, as voting for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha Elections2024 concluded.

Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, which was once militancy-infested, recorded its highest-ever voter turnout on Monday at 59 per cent on a violence-free polling day, the Union territory's Chief Electoral Officer PK Pole said here. He also said that the Sopore assembly segment of the parliamentary constituency witnessed a healthy turnout of 44 per cent after recording single-digit polling percentages in the past couple of decades.

Home Minister Amit Shah hailed higher voter turnout in Kashmir as people in record numbers cast their votes in the Baramullah Lok Sabha constituency.

"A momentous occasion for Kashmir! Today, Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency registered an approximately 20% higher voter turnout compared to the last Loksabha elections. Now it goes without saying that the Modi government's endeavours to ensure peace and development in Kashmir have strengthened people's trust in democracy. It is a befitting reply to those who ask what has changed after the abrogation of Article 370," Shah posted on X.

 57.47% voter turnout was recorded in the fifth phase of elections.   

• Bihar- 52.60%  
• Jammu & Kashmir- 54.49% 
• Jharkhand- 63.00% 
• Ladakh-67.15% 
• Maharashtra- 48.88% 
• Odisha- 60.72% 
• Uttar Pradesh-57.79% 
• West Bengal- 73.00%

According to the Election Commission of India, Bihar reported 52.55 voter turnout till 5 pm in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha election.

According to the Election Commission of India, the voter turnout was reported 56.68 per cent till 5 pm in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Amid the phase 5 polling, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief slammed the government and the Election Commission. Alleging the biasedness, he said, "Identity cards are being asked repeatedly in certain communities. The Modi government is using the Election Commission as a doormat for fear of defeat. But let the voters exercise their right to vote; the names of the relevant officials will be announced through PC, even if it is five o'clock."

NC leader and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah visited several polling stations in Langate, Handwara and Kupwara. While speaking to reporters, he said it's good that youth are coming out of their homes to cast votes for their representatives. 

Actor Shah Rukh Khan cast vote in Mumbai, along with his wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana Khan.

The voter turnout of 47.53 per cent was recorded till 3 pm in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections. West Bengal reported 62.72 per cent.

37 per cent voter turnout was reported in Amethi till 03 pm in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Maharashtra recorded 38.77 per cent voter turnout till 3 pm in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Actor Tiger Shroff cast his vote for the 5th phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024. He said, "Voting is very important, so everyone is requested to go and vote."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday visited a Hanuman temple in Rae Bareli where polling took place in the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He also visited several polling booths in the constituency from where he is contesting. Rae Bareli was represented by his mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi earlier.

Centenarian freedom fighter Dr G G Parikh, who has been voting since India's first general elections in 1951-52, exercised his franchise in the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat, which went to polls in the fifth and final phase in Maharashtra today. Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) provided a home voting facility for senior citizens above 75, a wheelchair-borne Parikh (100) chose to visit the polling station at Girton High School in Grant Road. With the help of social activists and his housekeeper, Parikh, popularly known as GG, was wheeled into the polling booth around 10.30 am.

More than 34.79 per cent of the 17.37 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the first six hours of polling in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir today.

Check region-wise voting percentage till 1 pm: 

• Bandipora - 35.77 %
• Baramulla - 31.68 %
• Beerwah - 38.00 %
• Budgam - 33.72 %
• Gulmarg - 34.37 %
• Gurez (st) - 30.36 %
• Handwara - 38.76 %
• Karnah - 37.61 %
• Kupwara - 33.53 %
• Langate - 40.53 %
• Lolab - 37.08 %
• Pattan - 32.82 %
• Rafiabad - 37.58 %
• Sonawari - 36.26 %
• Sopore - 19.44 %
• Trehgam - 35.78 % 
• Uri - 38.47 %
• Wagoora - Kreeri - 32.94 %

A voter turnout of 36.73 per cent was recorded till 1 pm, as per the Elections Commission. The polling across 49 constituencies had started at 7 am today. 

Here's state-wise voter turnout:

• Bihar: 34.62%
• Jammu And Kashmir: 34.79%
• Jharkhand: 41.89%
• Ladakh: 52.02%
• Maharashtra: 27.78%
• Odisha: 35.31%
• Uttar Pradesh: 39.55%
• West Bengal: 48.41%

A 1-foot 6-inch tall woman cast her vote in Odisha. 47-year-old Vinita Seth also showed her inked finger after casting her vote at a polling booth in Patnagarh under Balangir Lok Sabha Constituency.

Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais cast his vote in Mumbai. 

A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist's brother appealed to him to surrender in the interest of peace after he cast his vote in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency. Rouf Ahmad Lone is the brother of Umar Lone, an active LeT militant, who is wanted in several militancy-related cases. "Voting is my right, so I cast my vote. I appeal to everybody to cast their vote as developmental works will take place after that. Come to the polling booths and don't waste your vote," Lone told reporters in Pattan in the north Kashmir district.

Around 21.11 per cent of over 95.11 lakh voters in five Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar have exercised their franchise till 11 am on Monday, officials said. The polling began at 7 am in Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saran and Hajipur Lok Sabha constituencies and will continue till 6 pm, a senior official at the CEO's office said.

Voting Percentage:

Sitamarhi: 22.70%
Muzaffarpur: 22.45%
Madhubani: 22.37%
Saran: 20.75%
Hajipur: 17.36%

Nearly 26.18 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 11 am in three Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand, as per the Election Commission. Voting started at 7 am in Chatra, Hazaribag and Koderma Lok Sabha seats, marking the second phase of elections in the eastern state, and will continue till 5 pm.

Voting percentage

Koderma: 26.95 per cent
Chatra: 26.01 per cent 
Hazaribagh: 25.45 per cent

More than 21.30 per cent of the 17.37 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the first four hours of polling in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir today, officials said. An official of the election department said polling was going on smoothly across the Lok Sabha constituency which comprises 18 assembly segments and is spread over four districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara and Budgam.

Check region-wise voting percentage: 

• Bandipora - 23.18 %
• Baramulla - 18.86 %
• Beerwah - 23.00 %
• Budgam - 21.69 %
• Gulmarg - 20.04 %
• Gurez (st) - 19.63 %
• Handwara - 23.42 %
• Karnah - 23.20 %
• Kupwara - 20.40 %
• Langate - 24.21 %
• Lolab - 22.93 %
• Pattan - 20.20 %
• Rafiabad - 23.88 %
• Sonawari - 21.29 %
• Sopore - 11.75 %
• Trehgam - 22.85 % 
• Uri - 22.89 %
• Wagoora - Kreeri - 21.51 %

A voter turnout of 10.28 per cent was recorded till 11 am, as per the Elections Commission. The polling across 49 constituencies had started at 7 am today. 

Here's state-wise voter turnout:

• Bihar: 21.11%
• Jammu And Kashmir: 21.37%
• Jharkhand: 26.18%
• Ladakh: 27.87%
• Maharashtra: 15.93%
• Odisha: 21.07%
• Uttar Pradesh: 27.76%
• West Bengal: 32.70% 

Congress MP and candidate from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi arrived at Lucknow airport. 

Actress and BJP MP Hema Malini, her daughter and actress Esha Deol cast their votes at a polling booth in Mumbai.  "A large number of people are coming to vote. Yes, (400 paar) will be successful," Malini stated. 

BJP MP and party's national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi cast his vote at a polling booth in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. "I would like to tell all citizens of the country to definitely exercise their franchise. Voting is your right as well as duty...Vote for Viksit Bharat, secure Bharat, prosperous and proud India," he added. 

On RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's 300 plus seats for INDIA Alliance remark, he says, "What he is saying is strange. He dropped out of the government while saying these things...Election results are not very far. It is a matter of a few days. Everything will be clear..."

Actor Randeep Hooda cast his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

Raj Thackeray, his family members cast their votes.

Raj Thackeray arrived at a polling booth in Mumbai to cast his vote.

Veteran actor Dharmendra cast his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

Maharashtra: Actress and MP Hema Malini, her daughter and actress Esha Deol cast their votes at a polling booth in Mumbai.

"The work that Shrikant Shinde has done is in front of the people and I think they are going to vote for him to bring him back to power for the third time," he said after casting his vote.

Rajnath Singh is a BJP candidate from the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat.

Voting is being held for Baramulla Parliamentary constituency today. The constituency sees a contest among NC's Omar Abdullah, PDP's Mir Mohammad Fayaz and JKPC's Sajad Lone.  

A voter turnout of 10.28 per cent was recorded till 9 am, as per the Elections Commission. The polling across 49 constituencies had started at 7 am today. 

Here's state-wise voter turnout:

• Bihar: 8.86%
• Jammu And Kashmir: 7.63%
• Jharkhand: 11.68% 
• Ladakh: 10.51%
• Maharashtra: 6.33%
• Odisha: 6.87%
• Uttar Pradesh: 12.89%
• West Bengal: 15.35%

BJP MP and candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha seat, Smriti Irani casts her vote. "Today it is my good fortune that I have cast my vote in my village Gauriganj with the resolve of a Viksit Bharat. I appeal to the people to cast their vote. It is our responsibility towards the future of our country," she told the media. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and candidate from South Mumbai Arvind Sawant cast his vote for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Shiv Sena has fielded Yamini Jadhav, from South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat.

Congress candidate from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, Varsha Gaikwad cast her vote at a polling station in Mumbai. BJP has fielded Ujjwal Nikam from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat. 

Independent candidate from Nashik, Shantigiri Maharaj was seen putting a garland over the voting machine after casting his vote at a polling booth in the constituency.

BJP candidate from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat Ujjwal Nikam exercised his franchise and urged people to vote. "I appeal to people to vote. Our Constitution has given us this right to vote..." he said. 

Ahead of casting his vote, JKNC's vice president Omar Abdullah urged the people of Baramulla to come out and cast their votes. "I hope that people will use their votes. The biggest power in a democracy is the people's voice, people's votes. I have always been saying that making claims like a huge number of tourists are coming and there is normalcy is not good. By this, we are putting tourists' lives in danger. If protection cannot be provided to the tourists, we should refrain from making such claims," he added. 

Long queues of voters were seen at a polling booth in Ichgam, Budgam as they awaited their turn to cast their vote.  Voting is being held for the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency today. The constituency sees a contest among NC's Omar Abdullah, PDP's Mir Mohammad Fayaz and JKPC's Sajad Lone.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das casts his vote. "It's a very proud moment for every Indian. It's a moment of pride to participate in an election of 140 crore people. The process of voting today was very smooth and I would like to congratulate the Election Commission of India and all the officials who have been working throughout the country. It's really a moment of pride for every indian to vote in these elections. I appeal to every voter to come out and vote..." he told the media. 

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat, Piyush Goyal cast his vote at a polling station in Mumbai. "The fifth phase of polling is underway in Mumbai and the rest of the country. Just like PM Modi said everyone should take part in the festival of democracy...I believe that the people of Mumbai will come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote," he told the media. 

On the day of voting, LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and candidate from Hajipur Lok Sabha seat Chirag Paswan claimed that NDA is crossing 400 seats in the country whereas INDI alliance will be at its all-time low, especially Congress. "My father has been a representative from Hajipur since 1977. I am hopeful that I get the same kind of love my father got from the people of Hajipur. Development and my father's name have been synonyms in Hajipur. I will make sure to work for the development of Hajipur," he told the media. 

BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh claimed that people in Kaiserganj are happy with the candidature of his son Karan Bhushan Sharan Singh for this seat. "Everyone is happy with his candidature. Karan Bhushan Singh is attached to the youth of Gonda. He is a National player so he is interested in sports as he is in other things," Brij Bhushan told the media. 

BJP candidate from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, Ujjwal Nikam urged people to vote. "First I will go to a temple and then cast my vote and after that, I will visit polling stations in my constituency. Voting is a festival in a democracy and I hope all Mumbaikars will exercise their right to vote," he told the media. 

Polling is underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency where 22 candidates, including former chief minister Omar Abdullah, are in the fray. People were seen lining up outside the polling stations to exercise their franchise in some areas of the constituency. The constituency is spread over 18 assembly segments in the three districts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora, and also includes two segments of Budgam that were included in the recommendations of the delimitation commission two years ago. 

Actor Farhan Akhtar and Director Zoya Akhtar cast their votes at a polling station in Mumbai. Voting for the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024 began today across 49 parliamentary constituencies spread over six states and two Union Territories amid tight security and arrangements.

Sitting MP from Ayodhya and BJP candidate from the constituency, Lallu Singh cast his vote today. "People are voting for Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ayodhya and to make PM Modi the PM for the third time..." he told the media. 

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar exercised his franchise vote at a polling booth in Mumbai. "I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right...I think voter turnout will be good," he told the media after casting his vote. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to cast their franchise in record numbers for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, making a special plea to women and young voters to actively participate in the festival of democracy. "As 49 seats across 8 states and UTs go to the polls today in the 5th phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, I urge all those whose constituencies are polling today to vote in record numbers. I especially appeal to women and young voters to participate enthusiastically in this festival of democracy," read the post by the Prime Minister on X.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP chief Mayawati cast her vote at a polling station in Lucknow. She also appealed voters to come out and cast their votes. "I request all political parties to prioritise the issues of development and the welfare of the people. Whether it is the BJP or Congress, all the parties say that they are forming the government but everything will be clear when the results are announced," she added. 

Shiv Sena candidate from South Mumbai, Yamini Jadhav urged voters to exercise their franchise. "I would like to give a message to everyone that your vote should go to someone who works and does development. The Constitution has provided you the right to vote and exercise your franchise," she said. Jadhav is contesting from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and candidate Arvind Sawant.

Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani was seen standing in a queue at a polling booth in Mumbai, as he was waiting to cast his vote. The BJP has fielded Union Minister Piyush Goyal against Congress' Bhushan Patil from the Mumbai North seat. Union Minister and BJP candidate from Mumbai North, Piyush Goyal, expressed confidence in the party's victory.

Voting for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha election 2024 to be held in 49 constituencies across the country today. Visuals have surfaced from a polling booth in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. BJP MP and sitting candidate Smriti Irani and Congress' KL Sharma face each other here in the constituency.

Here are some FACTS for Phase 5

• Polling for Phase-5 of the General Elections 2024 will be held across 49 Parliamentary Constituencies (General-39; ST-03; SC-07) in 8 States/ UTs. Voting begins at 7 AM and ends at 6 PM (Closure of Poll timings may differ PC wise).
• 35 Assembly Constituencies in Odisha (General-21; ST-08; SC-06;) will also go to polls for seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
• Around 9.47 lakh Polling officials will welcome over 8.95 crore voters across 94,732 polling stations
• Over 8.95 crore voters include 4.69 crore Male; 4.26 crore Female and 5409 Third gender electors.
• There are over 7.81 lakh registered 85+ years old, 24,792 voters above 100 years and 7.03 lakh PwD voters for Phase 5 who have been provided the option to vote from the comfort of their homes. 
• 17 Special trains and 508 Helicopter sorties ferried polling and security personnel.
• 153 Observers (55 General Observers, 30 Police Observers, 68 Expenditure Observers) have already reached their Constituencies days before the polls. 
• A total of 2000 Flying Squads, 2105 Static Surveillance Teams, 881 Video Surveillance Teams and 502 Video Viewing Teams are keeping surveillance round the clock to deal with any form of inducement of voters strictly and swiftly.
• A total of 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts are keeping a strict vigil on any illicit flow of liquor, drugs, cash and freebies. Strict surveillance has been kept at sea and air routes.
• Assured Minimum Facilities like water, shed, toilets, ramps, volunteers, wheelchairs, and electricity are in place to ensure that every voter, including elderly and persons with disabilities, can cast their vote with ease.
• Voter Information Slips have been distributed to all registered voters. These slips serve as a facilitation measure and also as an invitation from the Commission to come and vote.
• Voters can check their polling station details, and poll date through this linkhttps://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/

As per the Election Commission, the polling stations are ready to welcome the voters with ample shade, drinking water, ramps, toilets and other basic facilities to ensure that polling takes place in a comfortable and secure environment. The concerned CEOs/DEOs and State machineries have been advised to take adequate measures to manage hot weather conditions in areas, where it is forecast. Polling parties have been dispatched along with machines and poll materials to their respective polling stations.

Several prominent candidates including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal, Rahul Gandhi, Smriti Zubin Irani, Omar Abdullah, Sajjad Gani Lone, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Lallu Singh, Karan Bhushan Singh, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Tanuj Punia, Naresh Uttam Patel, Ujjwal Nikam, Rahul Shewale, Anil Desai, Varsha Gaikwad, Sanjay Dina Patil, Ravindra Waikar, Shrikant Shinde, Hemant Godse, Bharati Pawar, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, Shantanu Thakur, Arjun Singh, Prasun Banerjee, Locket Chatterjee, Kalyan Banerjee, Devesh Chandra Thakur, Ali Ashraf Fatmi, Ajay Nishad, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Rohini Acharya, Chirag Paswan, Jual Oram, Dilip Tirkey, Achyuta Samanta, Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Annapurna Devi and Jai Prakash Bhai Patel are in the fray in the fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. 

Let's see the state-wise key constituencies and prominent candidates in detail here.

Voters in eight states and Union Territories will take part in the fifth phase of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections today. 49 Lok Sabha constituencies including 14 in Uttar Pradesh, 13 in Maharashtra, 7 in West Bengal, 5 each in Bihar and Odisha, 3 in Jharkhand and 1 each in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are going for polls in the fifth phase. 

Some key constituencies in Phase 5 polls:

• Rae Bareli 
• Amethi
• Lucknow
• Mumbai North
• Mumbai North Central
• Kaiserganj
• Hajipur
• Saran
• Kodarma
• Baramulla
• Ladkah