Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi says your vote is your voice, calls for polling in record numbers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people on Friday to cast their votes in record numbers in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy.

Asserting that their vote is their voice, PM Modi especially told the young voters and women voters to turn up at the polling booths in great numbers.

"Urging everyone in constituencies voting today, in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, to participate in record numbers. A high voter turnout strengthens our democracy. I especially urge our young voters and women voters to turn out in great numbers. Your vote is your voice!" the prime minister said on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to everyone to exercise their right to vote and participate in record numbers for a strong, secure, and prosperous nation.

"Today is the voting day for the second phase of the Lok Sabha Election. I appeal to all of you, who are exercising your right to vote today, to participate in this celebration of democracy with full enthusiasm and cast votes in record numbers for a strong, secure, and prosperous nation," he said in the post on X.

Shah added "Encourage your friends and family to vote to help build a stronger India."

"Choose a government that prioritises the development of the country, ensures border security, restores heritage, and makes powerful decisions in the national interest. Every vote of yours will contribute to strengthening the foundation of a developed India. Encourage your friends and relatives to vote as well," Shah added in the post.

Voting will begin at 7 am on Friday and conclude at 6 pm. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 is being held in seven phases till June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4.

According to the Election Commission of India, 88 constituencies across 13 states and union territories are set to go for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Kerala has the highest number of constituencies as all 20 seats will poll today, followed by Karnataka with 14 seats. The other states that will go to poll on Friday include Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Manipur. The poll for the Jammu parliamentary seat will also be held on Friday.

As many as 1202 candidates, including 1098 males and 102 females are in the fray.

There are 8.08 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters among the electorates who will decide the fate of candidates. As many as 5,929 third-gender electors will also exercise their franchise in the second phase of polls.

The apex poll body further said that 34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their votes.

"Additionally, there are 3.28 crore young voters in the age group 20-29 years," it added.There are over 14.78 lakh registered 85+ years old, 42,226 voters above 100 years and 14.7 lakh PwD voters for phase two who have been provided the option to vote from the comfort of their homes.

(With inputs from Agencies)