07 May,2024 02:37 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Representative Image
In the third phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, a voter turnout of over 25 per cent was recorded across 11 states and Union Territories, despite sporadic incidents of violence and reports of poll boycotts in some areas. According to the Election Commission, by 11 am, a voting percentage of 25.41 per cent was registered. The polling, which began at 7 am, will continue till 6 pm, PTI reported.
The PTI report stated that West Bengal recorded the highest turnout with 32.82 per cent, while Maharashtra witnessed the lowest at 18.8 per cent. It further added that in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun, villagers boycotted polling to protest against the lack of attention to their demands for basic infrastructure.
Among other states, Assam recorded 27.34 per cent polling, Bihar 24.41 per cent, Chhattisgarh 29.90 per cent, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 24.69 per cent, Goa 30.94 per cent, Gujarat 24.35 per cent, Karnataka 24.48 per cent, Madhya Pradesh 30.21 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 26.12 per cent, the PTI report stated.
In Firozabad, three villages boycotted polling to highlight local issues, while sporadic violence was reported in West Bengal, the report added.
ALSO READ
Maharashtra elections 2024: Why voting was a breeze
Govinda casts his vote in Maharashtra Elections 2024, shares health update
Mumbai revamps voting experience with new facilities and faster queues
Exclusive: Will address pollution, sanitation problems, says Mihir Kotecha
Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Dina Patil leads in Mumbai North East
Various complaints of poll violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents were lodged, with 182 complaints received by 9 am.
Key candidates like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah cast their votes in Gujarat. In Karnataka, queues were observed at polling booths, with senior citizens and morning walkers turning up early to vote.
According to the PTI report, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Bhagwanth Khuba, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, former CM BS Yediyurappa and his family including BY Vijayendra cast their votes in the southern state.
"Out of 28 Lok Sabha seats, according to me, we (BJP) are going to win at least 25 to 26 seats. The atmosphere is very good," Yediyurappa told PTI after voting.
In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP leader Sharad Pawar cast their votes amid traditional ceremonies.
In Assam, people braved the rain to cast their votes across four Lok Sabha constituencies.
Over 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are contesting in this phase, with prominent figures like Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mansukh Mandaviya in the fray. The third phase covered 189 seats, with the next phases scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4.
