The first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is underway across 102 constituencies in 21 states and Union territories, marking the initiation of the world's largest electoral exercise. Pics/ PTI
Updated On: 2024-04-19 04:40 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters, particularly the youth and first-time voters, to participate in large numbers and exercise their franchise, emphasizing the importance of their contribution to the democratic process.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called upon voters to cast their ballots thoughtfully saying that election shapes the future trajectory of economic empowerment and equal opportunities.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi urged citizens to strengthen democracy by voting and expressed the need to combat hatred by promoting love and compassion through the establishment of 'Mohabbat ki Dukaan' (shops of love) across the nation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to voters to elect a strong and decisive leadership that prioritises combating corruption, nepotism, and appeasement while fulfilling its commitments to the nation.
Election officials reported an initial voter turnout of 11.15 per cent in Assam and over 15 per cent in West Bengal during the first two hours of polling, indicating active participation in the electoral process.
Notable early voters included Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The polling encompasses various states and Union territories, including Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep, among others.
Prominent candidates contesting in this phase include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sarbananda Sonowal, Gaurav Gogoi of Congress, DMK's Kanimozhi, and BJP's aggressive campaigner K Annamalai in Tamil Nadu.
The Election Commission has mobilized over 18 lakh polling personnel across 1.87 lakh polling stations to facilitate a smooth and transparent electoral process, urging citizens to recognise the importance of each vote in shaping the nation's destiny.
