Phase 1 of Lok Sabha Polls Records 59.71% Voter Turnout, Down from 2019’s 69.43%

New Delhi: The first phase of Lok Sabha elections saw voting for 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories today, with reports of violence in parts of West Bengal and Manipur. The voter turnout experienced a decline compared to the 2019 polls.

In West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district, the ruling Trinamool Congress accused BJP supporters of instigating chaos, assaulting party workers, and intimidating voters. Similarly, violence erupted in Manipur near polling stations, with gunfire reported in Thamanpokpi and disturbances at Iroisemba.

Despite these incidents, Manipur recorded a high voter turnout of 67.46%, while West Bengal saw 77.57% participation. Notably, Tamil Nadu, where all 39 Lok Sabha seats are contested, is under close scrutiny. The BJP is banking on increased support, following extensive campaigning by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Voter turnout until 6 pm stood at 59.71%, with West Bengal leading at 77.57%.

The Election Commission deployed over 18 lakh polling personnel across 1.87 lakh stations for the seven-phase elections, concluding on June 4. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah urged citizens, particularly the youth, to vote in large numbers.

In the 2019 elections, the NDA and UPA blocs secured 41 and 45 seats, respectively, out of the 102 constituencies that voted today. However, this time, six seats have been redrawn due to delimitation.