Lok Sabha Election 2024: High voter turnout is being observed in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The polling percentage was 49.68% at 3 PM on Saturday. This is a critical stage, with voters from 57 seats in seven states and one Union Territory casting ballots. Several well-known contenders are running, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is running from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, for a record third term in a row.
Key Candidates and Voter Participation
In this final stage, prominent personalities including Pawan Singh, Misa Bharti, Abhishek Banerjee, PM Modi and Kangana Ranaut are participating. Numerous well-known figures have actively participated in the voting process. AAP MP Raghav Chadha, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP chairman JP Nadda, RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and their daughter Rohini Acharya, have all already cast their ballots.
Violence in Bengal
Unfortunately, violence has marred the polling process in parts of Bengal. In Kolkata, bombs were thrown in Jadavpur’s Bhangar area, and the car of Indian Secular Front (ISF) candidate Noor Khan was vandalized. The police had to resort to lathi charge to control crowds at the Jadavpur booth.
In Kultali, South 24 Parganas, a mob, allegedly threatened by Trinamool Congress supporters, threw an EVM into a pond. The Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal stated that reserve EVMs and papers were looted, and VVPAT machines were also thrown into the water. Fresh EVMs were provided to ensure uninterrupted polling.
BJP’s Confidence and Poll Predictions
BJP National President JP Nadda expressed confidence in winning a significant number of seats. He predicted that BJP would secure 30 seats in Bengal, over 18 seats in Odisha, and make considerable gains in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Nadda also criticized the Trinamool Congress, claiming that the people of Bengal are fed up with the current administration and ready for change.
High Voter Turnout in Various States
Despite the violence, Bengal recorded second highest voter turnouts till 3 PM, surpassing the overall average. Himachal Pradesh led with a turnout of 48.63%, followed by Jharkhand at 60.14%, Bengal at 58.46%, and Chandigarh at 52.61%. Odisha had the lowest turnout at 49.77%
Prominent Voters
Among the prominent voters, Kangana Ranaut shared pictures of herself voting in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, and urged people to participate in the democratic process. She expressed confidence in BJP’s strong performance, citing PM Modi’s extensive campaign efforts.
Key Contests in Final Phase
Varanasi is a focal point in this final phase, with PM Modi facing competitors like Ajay Rai from Congress and Ather Jamal Lari from BSP. Uttar Pradesh will see polling in 13 seats with a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA and the Samajwadi Party-Congress coalition.
In South Bengal, the Trinamool Congress’s hold is being challenged amid internal struggles. Abhishek Banerjee from Diamond Harbour is in a tough three-way contest. In Sandeshkhali, BJP’s Rekha Patra is challenging Trinamool’s Haji Nurul Islam amidst allegations of local atrocities.
Voting Arrangements and Logistics
In the final phase, more than 10.06 crore voters can cast ballots, and 1.09 lakh polling places have been equipped with the necessary equipment. Shade, drinking water, restrooms, and ramps are among the amenities. Despite severe weather, poll workers have been sent out with all the tools they need to guarantee a successful voting process.
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