The voting process for the initial phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections commenced on April 19 in 102 constituencies spread across 21 States and four Union Territories. Notable contenders include 8 Union Ministers such as Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Sarbanada Sonowal, Jitendra Singh, and Bhupendra Yadav, alongside Gaurav Gogoi from the Congress, Kanimozhi from the DMK, and K. Annamalai, the BJP’s leader in Tamil Nadu.
The largest number of seats in this phase, amounting to 39 from Tamil Nadu and one from Puducherry, are from southern India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several visits to Tamil Nadu during the campaign, as the BJP aimed to establish a presence in the state. However, the primary competition remains between the Dravidian parties—the ruling DMK and AIADMK.
Voting also took place for 25 seats in Rajasthan, eight in Uttar Pradesh, six in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Assam, four in Bihar, three in West Bengal, two in Arunachal Pradesh, and one each in Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh.
Concurrently, Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh (60 seats) and Sikkim (32 seats) were also underway.
Uttar Pradesh witnessed a three-cornered contest involving the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the INDIA bloc, and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). In Jammu and Kashmir, the only parliamentary seat contested in this phase was Udhampur-Doda. BJP’s Jitendra Singh, a Union Minister closely associated with the Prime Minister, faced competition from Congress’ Chaudhary Lal Singh and G.M. Saroori from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party. Other critical states for the BJP include West Bengal and Maharashtra.
The BJP-led NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims for a stronger majority, while the opposition INDIA bloc constituents are anticipating a resurgence after setbacks in the 2014 and 2019 elections.
Karnataka state Minister K Joseph George On the first phase of elections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wardha, Maharashtra
Addressing a public meeting in Wardha, Maharashtra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Your presence today in such a large number is proof that the target of ‘Viksit Maharashtra’ & ‘Viksit Bharat’ is not too far…”
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav holds roadshow to support BJP candidate
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav holds a roadshow in support of BJP candidate from Tikamgarh Lok Sabha constituency, Dr Virendra Kumar. Congress has fielded Pankaj Ahirwar from the Constituency.
State Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo on the percentage of voting in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: On the percentage of voting in Tamil Nadu in the first phase of elections, the state Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo says, “Till 3PM, the voting percentage for the entire state is 51.41%. The highest percentage of voting has been noted in Dharmapuri at 57.86%. Namakkal comes second with 57.67% voting… Minimum voting has been reported in the three constituencies of Chennai. Chennai Central is at 41.47%, Chennai South is at 42.10%, Chennai North is at 44.84%. Voting is going on smoothly in all the places.”
State Assembly elections 2024
Namchi: Former Sikkim CM and Sikkim Democratic Front leader Pawan Chamling says, “The people are not able to vote independently because the ruling party is threatening the people. There have also been some violent incidents… This is what I heard but overall, people are casting their vote…”
Manipur: Voting concludes in Imphal East for Lok Sabha elections.
EVMs, and VVPATs machines are being sealed. The timing for casting vote in Manipur was from 7 am to 4 pm.
State Assembly elections 2024
Namchi: Former Sikkim CM and Sikkim Democratic Front leader Pawan Chamling casts his vote
Telangana BJP chief and party’s candidate from Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat, G Kishan Reddy files nomination for Lok Sabha elections
Agartala: Tripura CM Manik Saha addresses a public rally in support of East Tripura Lok Sabha candidate Maharani Kriti Singh Debbarman.
West Tripura RO Dr Vishal Kumar on the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024
Agartala, West Tripura: On the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 in the border area, West Tripura RO Dr Vishal Kumar says, “34% of the voters have cast their vote. Since Ramnagar is a border-aligned area and has a history of violence, we have made adequate arrangements of security personnel. Teams of administration and police have been making rounds to keep a strict vigil. According to reports from the polling stations, the voting process is underway smoothly, and no untoward incident has occurred till now… More than 2,500 voters are between the zero line and the fencing. Most of them are living in Boxanagar. The population there is around 1,600. All will vote here. We have seen a large number of voters participating in the polls last year. We hope the same scenario will be this year also.”
Dindigul, Tamil Nadu: A 102-year-old lady cast her vote at Reddiyarchatram in Dindigul district.
RLD Chief Jayant Chaudhary n the first phase of Lok Sabha polls
Baghpat, UP: On the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, RLD Chief Jayant Chaudhary says, “I appeal to the people to vote. Your problems will increase in the next 5 years if you don’t vote. Choose your representative on the basis of the government you want… The opposition is saying that the EVM is hacked, democracy is over, and the constitution will be finished, these are the fears they are showing to the people and making pessimistic comments because they don’t have any agenda… On the other hand, NDA is working with a long-term vision…”
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party President and former CM Mehbooba Mufti releases party’s manifesto, for Lok Sabha elections.
51.41% voter turnout recorded in Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha elections and 45.43% in Vilavankode Assembly by-election till 3pm
AIMIM President & candidate from Hyderabad constituency, Asaduddin Owaisi files nomination for Lok Sabha elections.
Tamil Nadu | AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran casts his vote in Lok Sabha elections, in Chennai’s Adyar
Shivraj Singh Chouhan on filing his nomination
Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh: On filing his nomination for Lok Sabha polls 2024, BJP candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha seat Shivraj Singh Chouhan says, “It is my good fortune that I have got the opportunity to work for this area again. This area is my family… The people here are giving me blessings. I will work for these people..”
Shatrughan Sinha on opposition
Asansol: TMC MP and candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha constituency Shatrughan Sinha says, “…Different aspects have been suppressed by them (BJP). They are not talking about employment, inflation and soaring petrol and diesel prices; Without any issues, our CM Mamata Banerjee has been repeatedly attacked…This time we will give a befitting reply to BJP, a reply that was neither seen in the past nor will be seen in the future. We are famous for one thing and also infamous among some people whatever we say we do it and whatever we do we say that (Hum jo khate hai wo karte hai, aur jo karte hai wahi karte hai)….TMC will sweep in this election and BJP will go through a massive rout. Those who are giving the slogan of ‘400 paar’, may remember the result of 2004 this time…”
Former AIADMK leader VK Sasikala cast her vote in Lok Sabha elections in Chennai today
Voter turnouts till 3pm
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on elections in Jammu and Kahmir
Srinagar, J&K: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah says, “After August 2019, this is the first time that the Lok Sabha elections are taking place here. Then, the BJP launched their candidates on all seats in Kashmir. Now, the Home Miniter is saying that first, they will win people’s hearts and then fight the elections… This means that they could not win hearts…”
RJD leader Misa Bharti says there is a wave of India alliance
Patna, Bihar: RJD leader and candidate from Patliputra Misa Bharti says, “There is a wave of the INDIA alliance. We went to the public and told them how NDA did not fulfil any of their promises. They were talking about unemployment, doubling the income of farmers and reducing inflation but no work was done on the ground…”
On the purported viral video showing derogatory language being used for Chirag Paswan’s mother in Tejashwi Yadav’s rally, she says “It is condemnable, derogatory language should not be used against women belonging to any party but I want to ask Chirag Paswan why was he quite when Samrat Choudhary made such a derogatory remark against my sister and father?…”
Shiv Sena leader Dr Raju Waghmare says on politicians switching parties
Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Dr Raju Waghmare says, “Many top leaders of Mumbai and Maharashtra are in touch with us and shortly they will leave Congress and join the Maha Yuti and out of them several will join the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena) also. Senior Congress leaders, Mumbai corporators…top brass are in touch with us. Many Shiv Sena leaders (UBT) are also in touch, so many people wish to come to us…”
BJP candidate from Karnal, Manohar Lal Khattar talks about elections in the past
Jind: Former Haryana CM & BJP candidate from Karnal, Manohar Lal Khattar says, “…There was a time when corrupts weren’t used to be caught and they (Congress) used to promote corruption… The working system in the party is going well as I have received inputs from the party workers. For us, the issues are what we have done under the leadership of PM Modi in the last 10 years and we will move forward like that. Whatever is there in our Sankalp Patra, be in the interest of the youth, women, farmers or the poor, we will work for them.”
CM Yogi Adityanath in a public rally in Baghpat
Uttar Pradesh: Addressing a public rally in Baghpat, CM Yogi Adityanath says, “Today, voting for the first phase of the ‘festival of democracy’ is going on in the nation. There are some Lok Sabha seats where 50% of the voting has been done…We can witness people’s enthusiasm for PM Modi to be the Prime Minister again…PM Modi has resolved a lot of issues. When ‘Annadata’ farmers are given respect, then India will be respected, this is what PM Narendra Modi has done. He has given respect to the farmers…”
Clash erupts at polling booths in Manipur
Manipur: Polling stopped at 5 Thongju, 31 Khongman Zone in Imphal after some women alleged irregularities and created a ruckus. The polling officer closed the polling booth: Imphal East DC
Polling has been stopped in a total of 5 booth, 2 in East Imphal and 3 in West Imphal after a ruckus broke out when people alleged irregularities: Polling officer
Congress MP Kuldeep Rai Sharma casts his vote
Congress MP and candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kuldeep Rai Sharma casts his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair. BJP has fielded Bishnu Pada Ray here.
Bishnu Pada Ray from Andaman and Nicobar Islands cast his vote
BJP candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray cast his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair today.
He says, “Every resident of the Island should celebrate this festival and cast their vote…Voting is taking place well, I thank the administration…BJP will have a remarkable majority in Andaman and Nicobar Islands…”
He faces sitting MP and Congress candidate Kuldeep Rai Sharma here.
Manickam Tagore casts his vote in Thirunagar
Tamil Nadu: Congress MP & party’s candidate from Virudhunagar constituency, Manickam Tagore casts his vote in Thirunagar, Madurai. BJP has fielded actor turned-politician Raadhika Sarathkumar and DMDK has fielded Vijaya Prabhakaran from the Virudhunagar Assembly constituency
Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar votes from booth number 54
Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar cast his vote at booth number 54 of Life Centre School, Kishanpur, Dehradun
PM Modi addresses public rally in Damoh
Madhya Pradesh: Addressing a public rally in Damoh, PM Narendra Modi says, “This is an election to make India a big power in the world… When there is an atmosphere of war in the world, then a government working on a war footing is very important in India. In such a time, there should be a strong government and only the BJP government with full majority can do this.”
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav expresses confidence towards election results
Former deputy CM, Bihar & RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “We are winning all 4 seats (in the first phase) as per the feedback we are getting. People are voting in large numbers and they are angry with the current govt. We are very confident that we are winning all four seats.”
DPAP chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on the candidates for Lok Sabha Elections
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad says, “I respect every leader from every party be they younger or elder. I have asked my party leaders not to comment on the leaders of other parties but to focus on the agenda of our own party… He ( DPAP candidate from Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, Mohammad Saleem Parray) is an educated youth who is an elected DDC member along with the fact that he has studied law. Till now he has been advocating individual cases but now he will represent the people of the state in the parliament.”
voters use ferry services to reach polling booth
As the first phase of voting is underway in Assam, several voters use ferry services from Majuli Island to Jorhat in order to exercise their franchise.
State Assembly elections 2024 Voter turnout till 1pm
Arunachal Pradesh records 37.53%
Sikkim records 36.88%
Voter turnout till 1 pm for phase 1 of polling:
Lakshadweep records the lowest – 29.91%
Tripura records the highest – 53.04%
Congress leader casts vote in Jaipur
Congress leader Sachin Pilot casts his vote at a polling station in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Island casts vote from Port Blair
Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK Joshi (Rtd) cast his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair today.
Iqra Hasanvotes from olling booth in Kairana
Uttar Pradesh: Iqra Hasan, the Samajwadi Party candidate from Kairana Lok Sabha, casts her vote at a polling booth in Kairana. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded Sripal Singh from this set and BJP fielded Pradeep Kumar.
Actor Karthi urges people to vote
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: After casting his vote, actor Karthi says, “Everyone should come and vote and not think that today is a holiday. People should know their candidates and come and vote.”
Haryana BJP in charge Satish Poonia talks about what people want
“People wish that Modi ji should become PM for third time”: Haryana BJP in charge Satish Poonia
Begusarai Lok Sabha Constituency candidate Giriraj Singh on clash erupting
Actor Suriya Sivakumar arrives to cast vote
Tripura voter turnout
Lok Sabha polls: Tripura records 34.54 per cent voter turnout, West Bengal 33.56 per cent till 11 am
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary casts vote
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra cast his vote for the Lok Sabha Election today.
BJP candidate from Cooch Behar votes in the first phase
Union Minister and BJP candidate from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency Nisith Pramanik casts his vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections.
TMC has fielded Jagdish Chandra Barma Basunia and Congress has fielded Piya Roy Chowdhury from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat.
Congress Candidate from Cooch on violence during election polls
Cooch Behar, West Bengal: After casting her vote, Congress Candidate from Cooch Behar Piya Roy Chowdhury says, “…Violence is taking place…I did cast my vote. EC is not working appropriately…People are threatened to vote; BJP and TMC are doing this, Congress is a peaceful party; this fight is going on between BJP and TMC…”
Cooch Behar, West Bengal: Congress Candidate from Cooch Behar Piya Roy Chowdhury casts her vote.
BJP has fielded Union Minister Nisith Pramanik from Cooch Behar constituency.
Comedian & Actor Yogi Babu casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma votes at polling booth in Aizawl
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma cast his vote at a polling booth in Chawlhhmun, Aizawl today.
Union Home Minister to file for nomination
Union Home Minister Amit Shah to shortly file his nomination from the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.
Congress has fielded its party secretary Sonal Patel from Gandhinagar.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel is also present.
Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along on the importance of elections
Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along says “Today is a very important day for Nagaland and the entire country as the first phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections has started today. Every citizen should vote to make our nation into ‘Viksit Bharat’ under the leadership of PM Modi…We need to come out and cast our vote in favour of the vision that today’s Bharat has for a ‘Viksit Bharat’…”
Nagaland minister votes in the first phase of Lok Sabha
Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along casts his vote for the first phase of Lok Sabha Election at a polling station in Alongtaki, Mokokchung.
Tamil Nadu Governor and wife vote at booth in Chennai
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and his wife Lakshmi cast their vote at a polling booth in Chennai.
Actress trisha Krishnan votes from booth in Chennai
Actress Trisha Krishnan casts her vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Banwarilal Purohit casts vote in Nagpur
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit casts his vote at a polling booth in Nagpur, Maharashtra
Imran Masood on people’s approach towards the elections
Uttar Pradesh: Congress candidate from Saharanpur Lok Sabha seat Imran Masood says, “The biggest thing is that there is no bitterness. Everything is being done with love. We will win the elections… Ram is not an election issue…Voting is underway to save the Constitution…” BJP has made former MP Raghav Lakhanpal as its candidate for this seat. Majid Ali is in the fray from BSP.
Anil Baluni on public support
Uttarakhand: BJP candidate from Pauri Garhwal constituency Anil Baluni says “There is tremendous public support everywhere. You can see that ‘400 paar’ is going to be fully achieved. Pauri Garhwal is a very big area, we will work here to promote tourism…Last time, we said ‘300 paar’ and we crossed it, this time we are saying ‘400 paar’ and we will cross the mark of 400 seats…”
Congress Candidate Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed Casts Vote in Lakshadweep Elections
Congress candidate from Lakshadweep, Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed casts his vote at a polling booth in Andrott. NCP-SCP has fielded Mohammed Faizal and Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded Yusuf TP from here.
PM Modi takes dig at Rahul Gandhi
“Congress shehzada mocked my Dwarka pooja for vote bank politics.” Said Prime Minister Narendra Modi
NCP-SCP candidate Mohammed Faizal casts his vote at a polling booth in Andrott, Lakshadweep.
Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded Yusuf TP and Congress has fielded Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed here.
Voter turnout till 11 am for phase 1 of polling:
Lakshadweep records the lowest – 16.33%
Tripura records the highest – 33.28%
Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio casts his vote at a polling booth in Kohima.
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma casts his vote at a polling booth in Tura, West Garo Hills.
Voter turnout in Bihar till 11 am
Aurangabad – 15.03%
Jamui – 19.33%
Gaya – 14.50%
Nawada – 17.65%
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addresses public meeting
Amroha, Uttar Pradesh: Addressing a public meeting, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says, “Under the leadership of PM Modi, we have been provided with a safe environment of security. The transformation we are witnessing in the nation is wonderful and unprecedented…There is only one voice that can be heard from across the nation and it is ‘phir ek baar Modi sarkar aur abki baar 400 paar…”
Sachin Pilot comments on the atmosphere surrounding elections in India
Maharashtra Congress President casts his vote
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole casts his vote at a pooling station in Bhandara.
Congress candidate Kawasi Lakhma casts vote
Chhattisgarh: Congress candidate from Bastar, Kawasi Lakhma cast his vote at a polling booth here.
BJP has fielded Mahesh Kashyap from here.
Maharashtra Deputy CM and wife cast vote
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta Fadnavis cast their votes at a polling booth in Nagpur
Udhayanidhi Stalin on the mood of voters
Chennai: Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin says, “The mood of the voters of Tamil Nadu is that the DMK and INDIA alliance will sweep the elections.”
BJP candidate Shivraj Singh Chouhan performs puja
Former Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP’s BJP candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha seat, Shivraj Singh Chouhan performs puja at his residence ahead of filing his nomination papers today.
Chhattisgath Deputy CM urges people to vote
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma says, “Bastar is voting today in the first phase. I appeal to all the voters of Bastar Parliamentary constituency to cast their votes. The voting percentage should be 100% in Bastar..”
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin casts vote
Chennai: Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin along with his wife casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai
Former Chhattisgarh CM and State Assembly Speaker Raman Singh on Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Rajnandgaon: Former Chhattisgarh CM and State Assembly Speaker Raman Singh says, “These elections, the festival of democracy has come with possibilities for the country. Bastar is voting today in the first phase of the election. I urge all voters to vote in large numbers…”
World’s smallest woman casts vote
Maharashtra: World’s smallest living woman, Jyoti Amge cast her vote at a polling booth in Nagpur today.
PM Modi addresses rally in Amroha
BJP national president JP Nadda on Lok Sabha ELection
BJP national president JP Nadda says, “Today is the first phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections. My humble request to all of you is that you all should participate in this great festival… Your every vote is going to be against corruption, against ‘parivarvad’ and appeasement…We know that your every vote will strengthen the villages, empower women, give wings to the aspirations of the youth and contribute to the farmers moving forward with dignity… I also want to say that your vote will fulfil the resolve of a safe India, a prosperous India and a developed India and for this, it is necessary for all of you to vote and ensure your participation in this election.”
Wheelchair-bound voters at polling booth
Wheelchair-bound voters being assisted by volunteers at a polling booth in Andrott, Lakshadweep.
Bastar IG P Sundarraj on Lok Sabha Elections
Chhattisgarh: Bastar IG P Sundarraj says, “Voting for the first phase has begun in Bastar. People are reaching the polling booths with enthusiasm and confidence…Three-layer cordon security arrangements have been made in the area, additional forces have also been deployed. Besides this, in border areas, special forces of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha are also cooperating with us in maintaining security…”
Rajasthan Deputy CM casts vote
Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari casts her vote at a polling booth in Jaipur
dhampur, J&K: As the first phase is underway, after the wedding newly married couple heads straight to vote as they exercise their franchise.
J&K: Union Minister and Udhampur constituency BJP candidate Dr Jitendra Singh arrives at a polling booth in Udhampur Congress has fielded Choudhary Lal Singh from this seat.
“Chennai Central has lowest voter turnout of 8.59 pc”: CEO Satyabrata Sahoo.
Tamil Nadu: Actor Vijay Sethupathi casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai.
While addressing a public rally in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says “Today, the first phase of the Lok Sabha Electionsections is taking place. This is a big day for the festival of democracy. I want to appeal to all the voters to use their rights and cast their votes…”
Tamil Nadu: DMK candidate from Perambalur, K.N. Arun Nehru cast his vote at a polling booth in Kanakiliyanallur, Tiruchirappalli district.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offers prayers at Mahakali Temple in Sangareddy, Telangana.
Gaya, Bihar: Former Bihar CM and NDA candidate from Gaya Lok Sabha seat Jitan Ram Manjhi says, “…Some primary issues are clear, North Bihar that is often battered by flood…South Bihar suffers drought; we want South Bihar to get permanent relief from drought and flood…Corridor of Budh and Vishnu should be built in Gaya…”
Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi is contesting from the Gaya Lok Sabha seat.
Gondia, Maharashtra: NCP leader Praful Patel says, “The mood of the nation is for development. The mood of the nation is for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. All the schemes that he has promised in the last ten years, he has delivered. The country has become a vibrant nation. There will always be problems. You cannot say that all problems have been solved but the direction is to solve the problems and to overcome them. This is a big change…”
Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang says “…Our biggest issue is the development of the state. Our party has done the work that could not be done by the previous govt in the last 25 years…In the last 5 years, our party workers have won the hearts of the people. We are sure that our party will win 32 out of 32 Assembly seats…For the first time in the history of Sikkim, such a peaceful election is taking place…”
Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh cast his vote at a polling booth in Crawford, Tiruchirappalli today.
Anil Baluni, the BJP candidate contesting from the Pauri Garhwal constituency in Uttarakhand, exercised his right to vote at a polling booth located in Pauri Garhwal. This region is witnessing a significant electoral battle, with the Congress fielding its former Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Ganesh Godiyal, as a contender for this seat.
The Pauri Garhwal constituency has historically been a stronghold for the BJP, having secured victories in the last two consecutive parliamentary elections held in 2014 and 2019.
Lok Sabha polls: Rahul Gandhi urges people to vote to “strengthen democracy”
Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu: Ajith Kumar casts vote in Thiruvanmiyur
Tamil Nadu Actor and MNM chief Kamal Haasan arrives at a polling booth in Koyambedu, Chennai to cast his vote. Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting the party supported and campaigned for DMK.
Maharashtra: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari says, “We are celebrating the country’s biggest festival with great enthusiasm…In Nagpur, I would especially appeal to the voters that the temperature is high here so they should come early and vote. Last time there was 54 per cent voting, this time our resolve is to take the voting percentage to 75 per cent. I will definitely win this election by a very big margin…” Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has fielded Congress leader Vikas Thakre as the candidate against him.
Meghalaya: NPP MP and candidate from Tura, Agatha Sangma stands in a queue outside a polling station in Walbakgre, as she awaits her turn to cast a vote.
Jaipur: After casting her vote, Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari says, “Every person has faith in Modi ji, has faith in his work, has faith in what he says and has seen him serve the people of the country for 10 years…”
State Assembly elections 2024 | Arunachal Pradesh records 6.44% voter turnout till 9 am, Sikkim 7.90%
Voter turnout till 9 am for phase 1 of polling: Lakshadweep records the lowest – 5.59% Tripura records the highest – 15.21%
Tamil Nadu: DMK MP Tiruchi N Siva says, “… Polling is very peaceful and we are very hopeful that the INDIA alliance will win and we will form the government. As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, as we have told you during the campaign itself, all 40 seats will be in our favour. This time 40 out of 40 seats is our hope and it will turn into reality.”
DMK MP Tiruchi N Siva casts his vote at a polling booth in Trichy, Tamil Nadu
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam casts his vote in Theni, says BJP alliance will win in Tamil Nadu
Maharashtra: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari says, “We are celebrating the festival of democracy today. Everyone should vote, this is our fundamental right as well as duty. You can vote for anyone but casting your vote is important…I am 101% that I will win by a good margin.” Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has fielded Congress leader Vikas Thakre as the candidate against him.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu casts his vote for and state Assembly Elections 2024 at a polling station in Tawang.
Rajasthan Minister and BJP leader Rajyavardhan Rathore casts his vote at a polling booth in Jaipur
After casting his vote, Manipur CM N Biren Singh says, “I am delighted today that the first phase of elections is being held and I can cast my vote. We have to make PM Modi the Prime Minister for the third time…”
Tamil Nadu: DMK’s sitting MP and candidate from Thoothukudi seat, Kanimozhi casts her vote at a polling booth in Chennai AIADMK has fielded R Sivasami Velumani and Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), which is a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded SDR Vijayaseelan from Thoothukudi seat
Manipur CM N Biren Singh casts his vote at a polling booth in Luwangsangbam Mamang Leikai, in Imphal East
Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: As the first phase of polling kicks off, speaking on security arrangements, SSP Moradabad Hemraj Meena says, “The preparations are done; our policemen and polling officers have reached the concerned place. Since MCC was announced we began preparing and taking preventive actions…63 inspectors have been deployed here…4376 head-constables and constables have been deployed for election work; 2790 home guards are also deployed…We are looking closely at whoever is coming to vote, they must exercise that. We have kept a close eye on anyone who tries to affect polling….”
Aizawl: Mizoram Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati says, “In this election, a large number of new voters are being enrolled. I think they will be definitely enthusiastic to participate in the electoral process for the first time. And their aspirations will be fulfilled by participating in this process…”
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev casts his vote for the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections
J&K: Congress candidate from Udhampur, Chaudhary Lal Singh casts his vote for the first phase at polling booth number 63 in Kathua.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his mother and wife eats Jalebi after casting his vote for the first phase at a polling station in Khatima.
Mizoram Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati casts his vote at a polling booth in Aizawl
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says “…’Pehle matdaan phir jalpaan’…I appeal to everyone to participate in the festival of democracy. We get an opportunity to choose our government once in 5 years. We have to elect a government which increases the respect of our country in the world…We have to make sure that PM Modi becomes the Prime Minister for the third time…”
In Uttar Pradesh, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Muzaffarnagar, Sanjeev Balyan, along with his wife Sunita Balyan, exercised their voting rights at a polling station in Kutbi Kutba. Balyan is contesting against SP’s Harendra Singh Malik and BSP’s Dara Singh Prajapati in this constituency.
In Uttar Pradesh, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Muzaffarnagar, Sanjeev Balyan, along with his wife Sunita Balyan, exercised their voting rights at a polling station in Kutbi Kutba. Balyan is contesting against SP’s Harendra Singh Malik and BSP’s Dara Singh Prajapati in this constituency.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his mother and wife cast his vote for the first phase at a polling station in Khatima.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | DMK leader Kanimozhi says, “In Tamil Nadu, I do not even think they (BJP) will come to the second place. The fight is clearly between DMK and AIADMK. BJP does not find space here…In Tamil Nadu, INDIA alliance will get 39 seats and 1 seat in Puducherry…”
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, standing as an Independent candidate supported by the BJP-led NDA, displays his inked finger after voting in the initial phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Theni. Competing against him for the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency are notable candidates including Jayaperumal from AIADMK, K Navaskani from the Indian Union Muslim League, and Chandraprabha from the Naam Tamilar Katchi.
Uttarakhand: Three generations – Prabha Sharma, her daughter Preeti Kaushik, and granddaughters Shamita Kaushik and Sakshi Kaushik – voted together at a polling booth in Dehradun today.
Trivendra Singh Rawat, the ex-Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and BJP candidate from Haridwar, voted today at a polling station in Dehradun accompanied by his family.
In the same constituency, the Congress has nominated Virendra Rawat, the son of former Uttarakhand CM and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat.
Patna, Bihar: As the first phase of polling begins, Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary says, “Polling is taking place on the four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar regarding that I want to make a special request from the voters to cast their votes on ‘development, development and development.’ With the progressive work done by PM Modi in the last 10 years and the fight that he (PM) picked up against corruption, therefore common people have to rise above caste and religion and vote for PM Modi. People of Bihar are quite smart, they know very well whom to give the mandate and this time 40/40 seats will be accorded to BJP by them (people)….”
Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: On the first phase of voting, Samajwadi party leader Dr ST Hasan says, “This is the festival of democracy in which people cast their vote… Casting votes are required to save democracy and the Constitution…The kind of ‘jumle’ they (BJP) provide and messages they deliver to fool people…” On PM Modi’s rally today, he further adds, “Election Commission should take the cognizance of the matter. I believe that this is not justified for free and fair elections.” SP MP Dr ST Hasan is contesting from Moradabad Lok Sabha seat.
Former Tamil Nadu CM and candidate from Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, O Panneerselvam casts his vote at a polling booth in Theni
Jaipur: Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore says “This is a huge election, it is not a small election. It is the country that is the fifth largest economy in the world, it is an election of the largest democracy in the world and under the leadership of PM Modi it is going to become the third largest economy…’Matdaata hi Bharat ke nirmaata hai’…”
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, visited the Purnagiri temple in Khatima to offer prayers before exercising his voting right today.
All five Parliamentary seats are being contested in today’s elections.
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy exercised his voting right at a polling station in Delarshpet, Puducherry.
The contenders for the Lok Sabha seat of Puducherry are V Vaithilingamn from the Congress party and A Namassivayam from the BJP.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reaches a polling station in Khatima to cast his vote for the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections
Puducherry CM N. Rangasamy arrived at a polling booth in Delarshpet , Puducherry riding a motorcycle, to cast his vote
Rajasthan’s Union Minister and BJP candidate from Bikaner Lok Sabha seat, Arjun Ram Meghwal casts his vote at a polling station in Bikaner, says “It is a big day, I would like to appeal to everyone to cast their votes…”
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma says, “There is great enthusiasm…I would like to appeal to you today that this is a festival of democracy – do cast your vote. Your votes will strengthen our democracy, our country…I would like to tell you that Rajasthan will repeat the history of 2014 and 2019 – I am confident.”
“DMK, AIADMK has spent 1000 crores in Coimbatore”: BJP’s Annamalai alleges after casting his vote
Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief MK Stalin shows his inked finger after casting his vote in the first phase in Chennai CM Stalin said, “I am proud to cast my vote. All voters should vote.”
Assam: Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, Gaurav Gogoi says “I want every Indian citizen should use their right and cast their votes to save the democracy of the country…”
Assam: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal says, “…We are seeing a lot of public participation this time, so I think the public is happy. PM Modi has worked to bring change in people’s lives. People need employment and development, PM Modi has done everything…”
Assam: Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, Gaurav Gogoi casts his vote at a polling booth in Jorhat.
Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief MK Stalin casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai.
Imphal, Manipur: As the first phase of polling begins, Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Kumar Jha says, “…Today all the polling stations where we were supposed to have the elections 2107 locations, the voting has started. Everything is going normal, people are coming out in large numbers. The morning shows the day, so the initial trends indicate that we are going to have a high voting percentage. People deployed for polling duty have been reporting that things are normal…nothing untoward has been reported so far. I appeal to the voters that they should come out in large numbers to cast their votes and make them a part of a democratic exercise…”
In Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister and BJP nominee for the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, has exercised his voting right at a polling station in Dibrugarh.
Lurinjyoti Gogoi, the president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), is contesting as the opposition candidate for this constituency.
Tamil Nadu CM & DMK chief MK Stalin arrives at a polling booth in Chennai to cast his in the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Jaipur: Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore says “The message is that it is voters build a nation and this election is not a small election. It is an election of the largest democracy in the world. It is the country that is the fifth largest economy in the world and will soon become the third largest economy. It is a decisive election, that is going to make us a developed country with ‘Modi Guarantee’…”
“Every vote of yours has power to create secure, developed, and self-reliant India”: Amit Shah
Uttarakhand: BJP candidate from Pauri Garhwal constituency Anil Baluni says, “…Congress is not going to get even 30 seats in this election and it is going to drop to its lowest level in this election.”
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat casts vote in Nagpur
On DMK’s allegation that BJP is distributing money in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu BJP chief and party’s candidate from Coimbatore constituency, says, “…I am running this election as a matter of principle…Their Intelligence, Tamil Nadu Police, DMK, AIADMK – what they are doing in politics, everybody is seeing. They are spending more than Rs 1000 Crores in Coimbatore. If they can bring one voter and make them stand in front of the media and say that some BJP guy tried to influence them, I will leave politics the same day…I am challenging the Dravidian party, you bring one voter and make them stand in front of the media.”
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma shows his inked finger after casting his vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: On the first phase of voting, Samajwadi party leader ST Hasan says, “This is the festival of democracy in which people cast their vote… Casting votes are required to save democracy and the Constitution…The kind of ‘jumle’ they (BJP) provide and messages they deliver to fool people…” On PM Modi’s rally today, he further adds, “…Election Commission should take the cognizance of the matter. I believe that this is not justified for free and fair elections.” SP MP Dr ST Hasan is contesting from Moradabad Lok Sabha seat.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief and party’s candidate from Coimbatore constituency, K Annamalai says, “People of Tamil Nadu are with PM Modi. We are confident, our party is strong and the people are with us and June 4 will be a historic result for NDA…In Karnataka, we are expecting a clean sweep this time. BJP will be the number-one party in Telangana… Tamil Nadu this time will deliver a very big resounding result, an increase in vote share…Dravidian politics time is over…”
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma casts his vote for the first phase in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
L Murugan says, “I urge the voters to come forward and cast their vote for Viksit Bharat, a developed nation and corruption-free nation. So, I appeal to the first-time votes, women and all voters to come forward to vote 100%…”
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says “…’Pehle matdaan phir jalpaan’…Today is the mega festival of democracy. I appeal to everyone to cast their votes and choose a good government. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has seen new heights in the last 10 years and our country has got global recognition…PM Modi wants to create a strong India and a strong Uttarakhand…”
In Tamil Nadu, L Murugan, the Union Minister and BJP nominee for the Nilgiris constituency, exercised his voting right at a polling station in Koyambedu, Chennai.
The DMK has nominated A Raja as its candidate from this constituency, while D. Lokesh Tamilselvan is contesting for the AIADMK.
Dibrugarh, Assam: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal says, “People will happily participate in this voting process… Congress should look at its condition, they are going to get less seats than before… ”
Actor Rajnikanth casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
On cash seized in Kongu, K Annamalai says, “It is always a grave matter of concern. The reason is that DMK somehow thinks that it can buy people in Kongu belt. AIADMK is also in the same boat for a long time. The officials also turned a blind eye to what has happened, especially in Coimbatore, over the last 2-3 days…The administration there is sterile. I don’t think the administration is neutral…But in democracy, you always have to trust people…I am sure that the Coimbatore model that is going to come out on June 4 would be an example for the rest of the country.”
Actor Rajnikanth casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
In Uttarakhand, the BJP candidate contesting from the Pauri Garhwal constituency, Anil Baluni, described the ongoing voting as a significant celebration of the world’s largest democracy. He emphasized that today marks the day of voting and expressed confidence in the election outcome. According to him, this election appears overwhelmingly one-sided, unlike any he has witnessed in his lifetime. Baluni stated that people have already decided in favor of the BJP with the slogan ‘Abki baar 400 paar.’
The Congress has nominated its party leader, Ganesh Godiyal, as their candidate for this constituency.
Chhindwara | Kamal Nath, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Congress leader, displays his inked finger after voting in the initial phase of the #LokSabhaElections2024📷. His son, Nakul Nath, also a Congress leader, is running for the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency.
Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote in Sivaganga, says INDIA bloc will win all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu
Uttarakhand: BJP candidate from Pauri Garhwal constituency Anil Baluni offers prayers at Kandoliya Devta temple before casting his vote Congress has fielded its former chief of the Pradesh Congress Committee Ganesh Godiyal from this seat. The BJP has been winning the seat for the last two consecutive parliamentary elections, in 2014 and 2019.
Chhindwara | Nakul Nath, the Congress candidate for the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat and son of former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath, expresses his belief that the people of Chhindwara will support the truth. He emphasizes that they have served the people of Chhindwara for 44 years and he is confident that they will receive the people’s blessings.
In Uttarakhand, Ganesh Godiyal, the Congress candidate contesting from the Garhwal Lok Sabha seat, has cast his vote along with his family in Pauri Garhwal. The BJP has nominated Anil Baluni as their candidate against him in this constituency.
K Annamalai, the BJP’s leader in Tamil Nadu and candidate from the Coimbatore constituency, exercised his voting right at a polling station in Uthupatti, Karur. He is contesting against DMK’s Ganapathy P. Rajkumar in this constituency.
Google on Friday, April 19, 2024, marked the beginning of the first phase of the general elections in India with a doodle that featured an inked finger. When clicked it led the users to top stories on the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls.
The Google doodle’s reach comes on the day the world’s largest democratic exercise kicked off in the day.
Voting is currently in progress for the single Lok Sabha constituency in Nagaland today, according to officials.
The candidates in the election are S. Supongmeren Jamir from the Congress, Chumben Murry representing the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), and Independent candidate Hayithung Tungoe Lotha.
Voting commenced in the initial phase of the general elections for Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur parliamentary constituency on Friday, with more than 16.23 lakh eligible voters poised to cast their ballots.
Polling began at 7 a.m. across all 2,637 polling stations in the constituency, despite heavy rainfall, and will determine the outcome for 12 candidates, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who seeks a third term after securing victories for the BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
This marks the foremost significant electoral contest subsequent to the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the former state into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.
Other notable candidates vying for the seat include Congress leader and two-time former Member of Parliament Choudhary Lal Singh, DPAP’s G.M. Saroori, and six independent candidates.
Chhindwara | Kamal Nath, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Congress leader, expresses confidence in the residents of Chhindwara. He believes they will support the truth. His son, Nakul Nath, also a Congress leader, is running for the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat.
Voting commenced on Friday morning for four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, under strict security measures, according to a senior official.
Stringent security measures are in effect particularly in Nawada and Aurangabad, as well as in the reserved seats of Gaya and Jamui, where around 5,000 polling booths are designated as “sensitive” due to past instances of naxal violence.
The primary competition features two political newcomers. One of them is Arun Bharti, nominated by the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). The party’s president, Chirag Paswan, who previously held the seat for two terms, has now relocated to Hajipur following his sister’s marriage to Bharti.
Voting for five constituencies in Assam during the initial phase of the Lok Sabha elections commenced at 7 a.m. on Friday under tight security measures, according to an official report.
The constituencies where voting has commenced are all located in upper Assam, with three—Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Kaziranga—situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra river, and two—Sonitpur and Lakhimpur—situated on the north bank.
The BJP is contesting all five seats in the first phase of the elections, while the Congress is contesting in four, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in two, and the Trinamool Congress, Assam Jatiya Parishad, and CPI in one each.
Voting commenced in Arunachal Pradesh for the two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies on Friday, with heightened security measures in place.
In the Arunachal West parliamentary seat, there are eight candidates running, including Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju and State Congress president Nabam Tuki.
Meanwhile, in the Arunachal East Lok Sabha constituency, six candidates, including sitting BJP MP Tapir Gao and State Congress vice-president Bosiram Siram, are contesting in the election.
Voting for the sole Lok Sabha constituency in Mizoram is currently underway across the state under strict security measures, according to officials.
A significant deployment of resources has been implemented for the Lok Sabha elections in Mizoram, with at least 6,500 polling personnel, over 3,500 police officers, and 12 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) assigned to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
To maintain peace during the elections, all international and inter-state borders have been sealed, as confirmed by a senior police official.
Despite having six candidates in the running, the primary competition is expected to be between the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Mizo National Front (MNF), and Congress.
The ruling ZPM has nominated newcomer Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, while the main opposition MNF has put forward sitting Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena. The Congress has selected former State home secretary Lalbiakzama, who is also new to politics.
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. on Friday for 32 assembly seats and the single Lok Sabha constituency in Sikkim. A total of 146 candidates, which includes Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, ex-footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, and Tamang’s wife Krishna Kumari Rai, are contesting for the 32 assembly constituencies.
In the solitary Lok Sabha seat, incumbent MP Indra Hang Subba and SDF’s PD Rai are among the 14 candidates vying for election.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized the significance of the day as the country begins voting in the initial phase in a tweet on his social media platform, X. He urges all voters participating in this phase to turn out in large numbers, highlighting that each vote holds the potential to build a secure, developed, and self-reliant India. He underscores that voting is not just about determining the fate of a Lok Sabha or a candidate but also about shaping a promising future for India.
Voting begins amidst tight security in Tripura
Voting for Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency and by-election in Ramnagar Assembly constituency began at 7 am on Friday amid tight security, a poll official said.
Although nine candidates are in the fray in Tripura West Lok Sabha seat, the battle will be mainly between BJP candidate Biplab Kumar Deb and State Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, who is supported by the INDIA bloc.
Congress leader and candidate from Sivaganga constituency, Karti P Chidambaram cast his vote and said,, “People are very unhappy with the BJP-led central government and people will vote out the BJP government and they will overwhelmingly vote for the INDIA alliance in Tamil Nadu…”
Polling in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar, Alipurduars and Jalpaiguri seats began on Friday, an Election Commission official said.
Voting began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 6 p.m., the official said, adding 56.26 lakh electors are eligible to exercise their franchise.
A total of 37 candidates, including Union Minister and BJP leader Nisith Pramanik, are in the fray in the three constituencies.
All three seats are reserved, with Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri for SCs and Alipurduars for STs. The poll body has declared 746 polling stations as sensitive, including 391 in Jalpaiguri, 196 in Cooch Behar and 159 in Alipurduars.
Polling for 12 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan began on Friday morning in the first phase of elections.
Voting began at 7 am in Churu, Nagaur, Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur and Dausa constituencies.
It will continue till 6 pm.
Polling began on Friday morning for the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand, election officials said.
The voting across 11,729 polling stations began at 7 a.m. and will go on till 5 p.m., they said.
The five seats going to polls in Uttarakhand are Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and the lone reserved seat of Almora.
Polling got underway Friday morning in six Lok Sabha constituencies in Madhya Pradesh, election officials said.
Of the 29 Lok Sabha constituencies in the BJP-ruled state, polling is being held in Shahdol, Mandla (both reserved for Scheduled Tribes), Jabalpur, Balaghat, Chhindwara and Sidhi seats on Friday.
Voting began at 7 a.m. and will end at 6 p.m. in most places, the official said. Due to security reasons, polling will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Baihar, Lanji and Paraswada assembly segments of the Naxal-affected Balaghat constituency, he added.
Polling for the first round of Lok Sabha elections in eight constituencies of western Uttar Pradesh began at 7 a.m. on Friday.
The seats include Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina (reserved), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. These fall in the Jat and sugarcane belt of the State.
Among the prominent candidates are BJP’s Jitin Prasada from Pilibhit, Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan from Muzaffarnagar and Azad Samaj Party chief Chandra Shekhar Azad from Nagina.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has joined hands with the Rashtriya Lok Dal while the Samajwadi Party has allied with the Congress for the election. The Bahujan Samaj Party has decided to go solo.
A total of 80 candidates — 73 men and seven women — are in the fray in the first phase of polling.
Mohan Bhagwat casts vote
Today, electorates in five constituencies in Maharashtra will cast their votes to choose their next Members of Parliament.
Constituencies where voting will take place are Nagpur, Chandrapur, Ramtek (SC), Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) and Bhandara-Gondia, all in the Vidarbha region of the western State.
The State sends 48 MPs to the Lower House, the largest number after Uttar Pradesh’s 80, and will vote in five phases starting from Friday.
In Nagpur, Congress’ Vikas Thakre, MLA and former city Mayor, is fielded against Union Minister and BJP stalwart Nitin Gadkari, while in Chandrapur, State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is taking on Congress’ Pratibha Dhanorkar. The seat was held by her late husband, Suresh ‘Balu’ Dhanorkar, who passed away last year.
In Ramtek, Congress’ Shamsundar Barve faces off against Raju Parwe, a former Congress MLA from Umred who recently switched allegiance to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
And in Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) and Bhandara-Gondia, BJP’s sitting MPs, Ashok Nete and Sunil Mendhe, respectively, are fielded against the grand old party’s Dr. Namdev Kirsan and Prashanth Padole.
As many as 295 polling personnel along with EVMs of 68 booths at sensitive and hypersensitive locations in the Naxal-hit Gadchiroli district were moved to designated areas with the help of helicopters of the Indian Air Force and the Army three days before the polls.
Ramtek, a constituency with a mix of Nagpur’s semi-urban and rural voters, was previously represented by former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1984 and 1989. It is the only Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra from which a former MP ascended to become the country’s Prime Minister.
35 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed at various places for night patrolling as the state votes in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections today, West Tripura Election Officer Vishal Kumar said.
While speaking to ANI on Thursday, Mr. Kumar said, “Tomorrow (Friday) is the first phase of the election, and all our polling parties have already reached the respective polling stations. We have created webcasting facilities at all the polling stations. You all can see that I, along with West District SP, are patrolling. Along with this, 35 companies of CAPF are in various places for night patrol. And tomorrow also, the strike team will be ready.”
ANI
All 39 Lok Sabha seats of Tamil Nadu and five seats of Uttarakhand, 12 seats in Rajasthan, eight crucial seats in western Uttar Pradesh, and six seats in Madhya Pradesh are among those going to polls on April 19. Voting will also be held in ethnic violence-hit Manipur and Naxal-affected Bastar in Chattisgarh. In Manipur’s Inner Manipur seat, polling will be held on April 19 as well as on April 26, during the second phase.
Polling would also be held in 92 Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, where Assembly elections are being held simultaneously.
Some of the high-profile BJP candidates whose fates would be sealed on April 19 are Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Bhupender Yadav, Sanjeev Balyan, and Jitin Prasada. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) A. Raja, Dayanidhi Maran and K. Kanimozhi, and Gaurav Gogoi of Congress, are other heavyweights in the fray.
The BJP had won Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri in 2019, but now faces a stiff challenge from the TMC in the region; minimum wages for tea garden workers, land ownership in the estates are key issues.
With 39 seats from Tamil Nadu and one seat from Puducherry going to the polls on April 19, the largest number of seats in the first phase is from southern India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu multiple times during election campaigns, as the BJP sought a foothold in the State. However, the leading contenders are still the Dravidian majors, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Tamil Nadu has emerged as a riveting battleground owing to the BJP’s high-octane push to open up its traditionally bipolar polity amid the main opposition AIADMK’s continued struggle since J Jayalalithaa’s death.
The Election Commission has deployed over 18 lakh polling personnel across 1.87 lakh polling stations where over 16.63 crore voters will exercise their franchise in the first phase of 2024 general elections.
Voting will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.
Voters include 8.4 crore men, 8.23 crore women and 11,371 from third gender. There are as many as 35.67 lakh first time voters, besides 3.51 crore young voters in the age group of 20-29 years.
The 2024 Lok Sabha polls will kick off on April 19 at 7 a.m. with polling for the first phase scheduled in 102 seats spread across 21 States and Union territories.
Among those in the fray are Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sarbanada Sonowal and Bhupendra Yadav, Gaurav Gogoi of Congress, DMK’s Kanimozhi and K. Annamalai of BJP
Israel has ordered the evacuation of one of the last partially functioning hospitals in northern…
The Chicago Bears (4-10) host the Detroit Lions in Week 16 at Soldier Field. Catch…
Washington will experience a stormy Christmas week with rain, gusty winds, and flood warnings impacting…
Lashcurry emerged as the winner of MTV Hustle 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop, claiming the…
An Indian employee's unique Secret Santa gift, a tub of dahi, has taken the office…
At the heart of NISAR is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, which enables the satellite…