Election process underway in 96 consitituencies:
As the voting process for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections unfolded in 96 constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory, a voter turnout of 40.32% was reported by 1 p.m. However, this phase was not without its share of challenges, with reports of violence in Andhra Pradesh and instances of poll boycott in certain villages of Uttar Pradesh.
There were also technical issues reported with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at some polling booths during elections in West Bengal and Odisha.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest voter turnout by 11 a.m., with only 14.94% of voters exercising their franchise, while West Bengal registered the highest with 32.78%.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, emphasizing that strengthening India’s democracy is a collective responsibility. Simultaneously, as assembly polls were being conducted in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha alongside the Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Modi called upon voters to turn out in record numbers.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi echoed similar sentiments, urging voters to cast their ballots decisively to enable the INDIA bloc to form the government at the Centre.
The polling for Phase 4 commenced at 7 a.m. on May 13 and concluded at 6 p.m. A total of 96 seats across 10 states and Union Territories were contested in this phase, with Andhra Pradesh (25), Telangana (17), Uttar Pradesh (13), Maharashtra (11), Madhya Pradesh (8), West Bengal (8), Bihar (5), Odisha (4), and Jammu and Kashmir (1) participating in the electoral process. Notably, voters in Andhra Pradesh were also voting for their state assembly representatives, and 28 Legislative Assembly seats in Odisha were also up for grabs on this day.
Here’s a breakdown of voter turnout in some states during the fourth phase:
Madhya Pradesh: By 3 p.m., around 59.63% voter turnout was recorded across eight constituencies, with Dewas registering the highest at 63.08% and Indore the lowest at 48.04%.
Bihar: By 3 p.m., a 45.23% voter turnout was recorded in five constituencies, namely Begusarai, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Munger, and Darbhanga. Notable figures include 47.61% in Darbhanga, 47.24% in Samastipur, 46% in Ujiarpur, 43.55% in Munger, and 42.57% in Begusarai.
In a separate event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Bihar’s Saran on May 13. He criticized the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing them of “appeasement” politics and vowing to protect the rights of Dalits and backward classes from being exploited. PM Modi asserted that the ongoing elections symbolize the resolve for a developed India and emphasized his commitment towards realizing India’s potential by the year 2047.
PM Modi also took a dig at the INDIA bloc, suggesting they were indulging in unrealistic aspirations, proclaiming that “five Prime Ministers in five years” was an impractical vision.
These developments highlight the intensity and significance of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, with various political figures rallying voters and addressing critical issues that shape the nation’s future.
Overall, The electoral process in the fourth phase witnessed a mix of enthusiasm and challenges, with political leaders intensifying their campaigns to sway voters amidst regional complexities and diverse issues. While voter turnout varied across states, the overall engagement underscored the significance of each ballot cast in shaping India’s democratic landscape.
As the Lok Sabha elections progress, the rhetoric from political leaders continues to highlight contrasting visions for the nation’s future, resonating with voters who hold the key to determining the country’s leadership for the next term. The outcome of these elections will undoubtedly impact India’s trajectory on both national and international fronts, defining policies and priorities for years to come.
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