The Lok Sabha elections are inching towards the climax with the sixth and penultimate phase on Saturday. Over 11.13 crore eligible voters, including 5.84 crore men, 5.29 crore women and 5,120 from the third gender, will seal the fate of 889 candidates across 58 seats.
Polling will be held in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, all 10 seats in Haryana, eight seats each in Bihar and West Bengal, all seven seats in Delhi, six seats in Odisha, four seats in Jharkhand and one seat in Jammu and Kashmir.
Forty-two assembly constituencies in Odisha will also go to the polls on Saturday.
Prominent candidates in the fray include the BJP's Dharmendra Pradhan, Maneka Gandhi, Sambit Patra, Manohar Lal Khattar and Manoj Tiwari, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and the Congress's Raj Babbar.
Speaking of the weather, the sixth phase comes amid a heat wave that has left large parts of the country reeling. The EC has directed poll officials to take measures to minimise the impact of the sweltering conditions.
The final phase of polling will be on June 1 for the remaining 57 seats, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4.
AAP-Congress pact faces litmus test in Delhi
In Delhi, the AAP and Congress have come to a seat-sharing arrangement for the first time. While the AAP is contesting four seats, the Congress has fielded candidates in the remaining three. The BJP had won all seven seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Manoj Tiwari, who was an actor and singer in the Bhojpuri film industry before entering politics, is the only sitting MP from Delhi fielded by the BJP again.
'Maa Maneka Phir Ek Baar'?
BJP candidate from Sultanpur Maneka Gandhi is seeking her ninth term in the Lok Sabha. She has won six times from Pilibhit, once from Aonla and once from Sultanpur where she is the sitting MP. Maneka's campaign got a late boost after her son Varun Gandhi, who was denied a ticket by the BJP, campaigned for her on Thursday -- his first rally during the current general elections.
In Bengal it's Jangal Mahal's turn
In West Bengal, voting will be held in the Jangal Mahal region, spread across five districts and eight Lok Sabha constituencies including Tamluk, which will see a keenly-awaited contest between former Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the BJP and Debangshu Bhattacharya of the TMC who composed the "Khela Hobe" song for the party ahead of the 2021 assembly elections.
Mehbooba battling for honour, PDP redemption
Polling for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir -- where Mehbooba Mufti is contesting -- was postponed from the third phase to the sixth due to adverse weather.
Polling began on Saturday morning for six Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 assembly seats in Odisha amid tight security arrangements, an official said.
Voting started at 7 am in Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri Lok Sabha seats along with 42 assembly segments that make up these Lok Sabha constituencies.
Polling will continue till 6 pm but in certain remote and critical booths voting will conclude earlier, the official said.
More than 94.48 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 10,581 booths in the third round of simultaneous elections in the state.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) NB Dhal said that adequate arrangements for voters' convenience have been made in all booths.
A total of 35,000 security personnel and 70,000 polling personnel have been engaged in this round of twin polls in the state, he said.
More than two crore voters are eligible to cast votes to decide the fate of 223 candidates, including former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, two Union ministers and Congress stalwart Kumari Selja, in the fray for the 10 Lok Sabha seats.
Among the early voters was former chief minister Khattar, the BJP's candidate from the Karnal Lok Sabha seat, who exercised his franchise at a booth in Karnal's Prem Nagar.
The polling began at 7 am in Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram, Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura, and Bishnupur constituencies.
Of the 79 candidates in the fray, Bankura and Jhargram have the highest number of 13 contestants each, followed by Purulia (12), and nine each in Medinipur and Tamluk, an official said.
ये है चुनाव का पर्व। 🎉🎉🎊 #GeneralElections2024
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) May 25, 2024
सुबह-सवेरे उत्साही मतदाताओं की लंबी कतारें। #YouAreTheOne 🫵#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/EEQFSl9jB8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people on Saturday to vote in large numbers in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election, saying every vote counts.
Democracy thrives when people are engaged and active in the electoral process, he said in a post on 'X'.
लोकसभा चुनाव के छठे चरण के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा निवेदन है कि वे अधिक से अधिक संख्या में मतदान के लिए आगे आएं। एक-एक वोट मायने रखता है और आपका वोट भी उतना ही महत्वपूर्ण है! लोकतंत्र तभी फलता-फूलता है और जीवंत दिखता है, जब चुनाव प्रक्रिया में जनता-जनार्दन की बढ़-चढ़कर भागीदारी होती…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2024
Polling began on Saturday morning in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency where 20 candidates, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, are in the fray, officials said.
Voting began at 7 am for the last electoral battle of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir, they said.
People were seen lining up outside the polling stations to exercise their franchise in some areas of the constituency, according to the officials.
The constituency is spread over 18 assembly segments in the five districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Poonch, Shopian, and Rajouri.
Voting began for eight Lok Sabha seats in Bihar amid tight security on Saturday morning, officials said.
The polling began at 7 am in Valmiki Nagar, Pashchim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Maharajganj and Vaishali constituencies.
It would continue till 6 pm, they said. Over 1.49 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 86 candidates in this phase in the state, they added.
The constituencies where elections are being held are largely rural with only 1,281 of the total 14,872 polling stations located in urban areas, officials said.
Voting for four Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning amid heavy security, officials said.
Polling began at 7 am in the constituencies of Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur, and would continue till 5 pm, they said.
Ninety-three candidates are in the fray in this phase, which is third for the state and sixth nationwide.
Polling for the seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi began on Saturday morning in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election amid tight security arrangements, an official said here.
The weather department has issued a "yellow alert" for the day and predicted that the mercury is likely to reach a maximum of 44 degrees Celsius.
The Delhi election department is making adequate preparations for voters because of the heat.
People were seen queuing outside polling stations even before the commencement of voting at 7 am.
Voting for the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election, which will seal the fate of several high-profile candidates, including former Union minister Maneka Gandhi, began on Saturday in 14 seats of Uttar Pradesh.
The bypoll for the Gainsari assembly seat in Balrampur is also being held.
Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said 162 candidates, 146 men and 16 women, are in the fray from the parliamentary seats while seven hopefuls are contesting in Gainsari.
Voting began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm.
#ElectionsWithTNIE | Voters stand in a queue to cast their ballot at a polling station during the sixth phase of voting of India's general election in #Delhi.#LokSabhaElections2024.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
Express Video | @ParveenPhoto pic.twitter.com/mZ9qF7MYbG
The candidates of all the major parties have been rigorously campaigning for the past 83 days, seeking votes for themselves. The city witnessed a unique election campaign that ended on Thursday evening.
Delhi has been reeling under a severe heatwave, which may hamper the spirit of the voters to exercise their franchise. To tackle this problem, the EC has made special arrangements at the polling booths to help voters.
A total of 162 candidates are in the fray, including Manoj Tiwari and Bansuri Swaraj of the BJP, Somnath Bharti and Kuldeep Kumar of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Kanhaiya Kumar and JP Agarwal of the Congress.
With 13,637 polling stations, including four auxiliary ones and 2,891 critical ones, 70 pink booths will also be set up, handled exclusively by women officials. Along with this, 70 model polling booths have been established for the voters.
Ravinder Raina cast his vote on Saturday in Rajouri and said that the 2024 elections are being celebrated in the Union Territory like a festival.
"In the Srinagar parliamentary seat, 40 per cent of voting took place, while in Baramulla in North Kashmir, 60 per cent of voting took place and today in Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat also there has been a long turnout since morning. This is the victory of our democracy...," Raina said.
"This area is close to LOC and here too people are coming out with full enthusiasm to vote," he added.
स्वागत है।💐💐 #Phase6 #GeneralElections2024
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) May 25, 2024
Festivity all around as voters in #Kulgam, J&K, queue up in large numbers to cast their votes. #YouAreTheOne 🫵
📷 @ceo_UTJK#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/PdksR14zqM
The festival of Indian democracy, the Lok Sabha elections are taking place, and there is an atmosphere of enthusiasm in the entire Jammu and Kashmir. The excitement for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is going on like a festival in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ravinder Raina, JK BJP chief
#ElectionsWithTNIE | Delhi Minister Atishi arrives at a polling station in Delhi to cast her vote for the sixth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024. pic.twitter.com/eLrIeokoO0
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
Harsh Malhotra, cast his vote in Shahdara during the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls in the national capital on Saturday.
He cast his vote at polling booth number 154 located in Gandhi Memorial Bharatiya Janata Party Candidate Harsh Malhotra from East Delhi Lok Sabha seat while exercising his democratic rights, casts his vote in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls. School, Shahdara, in East Delhi.
"My dear countrymen, the struggle to safeguard democracy and the Constitution has reached its final two phases. Today is the sixth phase of voting and you must vote. Vote for unity, justice, and important issues. Vote against the politics of hatred, slogans, and diversion. Think twice before pressing the button on the EVM," Kharge posted on X.
"Don't you want fair politics? Such economic and social security in which we can build a progressive and inclusive India through justice to youth, farmers, women, labour, and equity. If you need this, then people who are voting on 68 seats in 6 states and 2 union territories should vote for building such an India," the Congress leader added.
मेरे प्रिय देशवासियों,
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 25, 2024
लोकतंत्र और संविधान को सुरक्षित करने का ये संघर्ष अपने आख़िरी दो चरणों में आ गया है।
आज छठे चरण का मतदान है और वोट ज़रूर देना है।
एकता, न्याय और रोज़मर्रा के ज़रूरी मुद्दों पर वोट डालिए।
नफ़रत, जुमलों और ध्यान भटकाने की राजनीति के ख़िलाफ़ वोट डालिए।…
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini along with his wife Suman Saini, on Saturday cast their vote at a polling booth in his native village Mirzapur in Haryana.
Addressing the media after casting his vote, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attributing India's recent strides in development to his governance.
"I appeal to the people of Haryana to strengthen the democracy and they should come out and vote in large numbers. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has entered a new era of development. Today in the whole world, Indi
There is a sentiment for '400 paar' and there is no difficulty in crossing 400 seats since we already have 303 seats and our seats increase by 10 per cent every election. That makes it 330 to 333 seats, if it increases by 15 per cent, that makes it 3345. We've 37 allies. If even half of them win 2-3 seats
Union Minister Hardeep Puri
BJP candidate from the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, Praveen Khandelwal cast his vote on Saturday, at a polling station in Ashok Vihar, Delhi.
Khandelwal, facing off against Congress candidate JP Agarwal, highlighted the enthusiasm and excitement among voters.
"There is enthusiasm and there is excitement, and we are winning the election. We will win the Chandni Chowk seat with a record margin," Khandelwal said before casting his vote.
Responding to the Congress's claim of sweeping all seven seats in Delhi, Khandelwal remarked, "Everyone has the right to dream. I cannot stop anyone from dreaming."
I have full confidence, not just Rohtak seat but Congress and its alliance will win all the 10 seats in Haryana.
Manohar Lal Khattar, Former Haryana CM
#ElectionsWithTNIE | BJP East Delhi MP #GautamGambhir casts his vote for the sixth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling station in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/HXMlyTGHoi
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi alleged that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena, held a meeting with Delhi Police to slow down the voting process in areas which are strongholds of the INDIA bloc.
"We have received official information that last evening, LG had called a meeting of Delhi Police officials and instructions were given to Delhi Police that in all the areas which are strongholds of the INDIA alliance, voting should be slowed down in those areas. If this happens then it will be a violation of free and fair elections. So we hope that the Election Commission will take cognizance of this," Atishi alleged.
"I hope that the people of Delhi and the country will come out of their homes and vote despite the heat. Elections are a festival of democracy and it is the responsibility of every person to participate in it," she added.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday claimed that outgoing calls on her mobile number have been suspended without any explanation.
"I am not able to make any calls since morning. There is no explanation for this sudden suspension of services on the day of polling in the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency," Mehbooba told PTI.
The PDP also flagged the issue in a post on X.
"Just ahead of the polls, Ms.Mehbooba Mufti's @MehboobaMufti cellular phone service has been abruptly snapped. Yesterday evening and in the early hours today, scores of PDP workers and polling agents were detained across polling belt," it said.
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti staged a protest outside Bijbehara Police Station in Anantnag.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 25, 2024
“Our PDP polling agents are being targeted and being arrested. We are asking the reason but they aren’t saying anything. If they are so afraid of me going to… pic.twitter.com/1A0TlHgqUd
A two-time MLA, Khattar, 70, is contesting in a parliamentary election for the first time. After Nayab Singh Saini took over as Haryana chief minister in March, the BJP announced Khattar’s Lok Sabha candidature from Karnal.
For Khattar, a lot is at stake. He not only has to win, but maintain a high victory margin. If sitting BJP MP Sanjay Bhatia created a high benchmark by bagging 70.08% votes, Bhatia’s predecessor Ashwani Kumar Chopra from the same party got 49.84% votes in 2014.
Smt. @MamataOfficial has repeatedly flagged how @BJP4India was trying to rig votes by tampering with EVMs.
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 25, 2024
And today, in Bankura's Raghunathpur, 5 EVMs were found with BJP tags on them.@ECISVEEP should immediately look into it and take corrective action! pic.twitter.com/aJwIotHAbX
#ElectionsWithTNIE | President #DroupadiMurmu casts her vote for #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling booth in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/QLbbio3q1P
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
The early morning voters included Union ministers S Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Minister Atishi, outgoing East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir, and candidates of different parties.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a post in Hindi on X, appealed to the people to vote and urge their family members, relatives and friends to also exercise their franchise.
Jaishankar, the first voter at Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya, APJ Abdul Kalam Lane, in the New Delhi constituency, told PTI Videos, "We want that people come out in large numbers to vote because it a time to take a big decision for the country."
Puri cast his vote at Mount Carmel School, Anand Niketan, in the New Delhi constituency.
Gambhir appealed to people to exercise their franchise after casting his vote at the Government Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalya.
#ElectionsWithTNIE | Vice President #JagdeepDhankhar, and his wife Sudesh Dhankhar show their inked fingers after casting their votes for #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling booth in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/V7yKhz5vKx
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
#WATCH | Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal says "It is a very big day for the democracy. I want to appeal to everyone, especially women to come out and cast their votes. In India, women's participation in politics is very important." pic.twitter.com/xZFpcbxquK
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024
#WATCH | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party MP Rahul Gandhi arrive at a polling booth in Delhi to cast their votes for #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/7vL9XULRq8
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024
State-wise voter turnout till 9 am
Bihar: 9.66%
Haryana: 8.31%
Jammu and Kashmir: 8.89%
Jharkhand: 11.74%
Delhi: 8.94%
Odisha: 7.43%
Uttar Pradesh: 12.33%
West Bengal: 16.54%
Nearly 11.74 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 am in four Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand that went to polls in the sixth phase on Saturday, officials said.
Giridih registered the highest polling at 12.91 per cent followed by Ranchi (12.19 per cent), Dhanbad (11.75 per cent) and Jamshedpur (10.05 per cent).
Governor C P Radhakrishnan said in a post on X: "Today, I exercised my right to vote at Shri Krishna Institute of Public Administration, Ranchi. I urge all voters to exercise their right to vote. Ensure your participation in this great festival of democracy."
LS Polls: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik casts his vote in Bhubaneswar
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 25, 2024
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/XGCqLwyXqb#OdishaCM #NaveenPatnaik #Bhubaneswar #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/31fFr1uTZB
I encourage all our people, particularly the young people of our state to exercise their democratic franchise and to vote. I expect a great victory for the Biju Janata Dal both in the Assembly and the Parliament elections. We will form a solid government in the state to serve the people
Naveen Patnaik, Odisha Chief Minister
BJP candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha seat , Sambit Patra voiced serious concerns on Saturday regarding malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at multiple polling stations in Puri and urged the Election Commission to take immediate action.
Patra highlighted that voters, including senior citizens, were facing significant delays, with some waiting for up to two hours to cast their ballots.
"For 2 hours people are waiting here to cast their vote, they are going back. Up till now, the EVM machine is not working. The Election Commission should definitely take action on this and give an extension of time," Patra stated.
"I am still waiting outside my booth, senior citizens are going back. People think that this is strategically being done. This is not the right thing in this festival of democracy. The Election Commission wants people to vote. It must take action on this", he added.
#ElectionsWithTNIE | Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi after casting her vote for the general election in New Delhi.#LokSabhaElections2024
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
Express Photos | @Shekharyadav02 pic.twitter.com/kKQWxEnyAT
#ElectionsWithTNIE | Congress General Secretary #PriyankaGandhiVadra casts her vote for the sixth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling station in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/zLGNDfclA5
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
#ElectionsWithTNIE | Chief Election Commissioner #RajivKumar casts his vote for the sixth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024, at a polling booth in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/FQaJCRLq5N
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 25, 2024
Rahul Gandhi urged people to come out in large numbers in the sixth phase of the elections on Saturday and vote for their rights and the future of their families.
After casting his vote, Gandhi also posted a picture with Sonia Gandhi, displaying their inked fingers.
"In the first five phases of voting, you have rejected lies, hatred and propaganda and given priority to grassroots issues related to your life," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.
"Today is the sixth phase of voting and your every vote will ensure that: Recruitment for 30 lakh vacant government posts and first job guarantee scheme of Rs 1 lakh per year is started for the youth. Rs 8,500 per month starts coming into the accounts of women from poor families. Farmers are debt free and they get the right MSP on their crops. Labourers get a daily wage of Rs 400," he said.
"Your vote will not only improve your life but also protect democracy and the Constitution," he said.
देशवासियों!
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 25, 2024
पहले पांच चरणों के मतदान में आपने झूठ, नफ़रत और दुष्प्रचार को नकार कर अपने जीवन से जुड़े ज़मीनी मुद्दों को प्राथमिकता दी है।
आज छठे चरण का मतदान है और आपका हर वोट सुनिश्चित करेगा कि:
- युवाओं के लिए 30 लाख खाली सरकारी पदों पर भर्ती और 1 लाख रुपए साल की पहली नौकरी… pic.twitter.com/TvcmqSwXj3
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife Sudesh cast their votes in the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday.
Dhankhar reached the polling station at the CPWD service centre in Delhi's North Avenue to exercise his franchise.
He and his wife stood in queue and awaited their turn before casting their votes.
"Proud to cast my vote for Lok Sabha 2024 elections. Urge everyone to exercise their right to vote and fulfil their constitutional duty," he said in a post on X after casting his vote.
We are proud to be the world's largest democratic country. I want all the countrymen to cast their vote for the strengthening of democracy and for Viksit Bharat
Ram Nath Kovind, former president
#WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal along with his family members arrives at a polling booth in Delhi to cast their votes for the sixth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/ehRhq9eQVm
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024
Amar vote, amar doyitvo ! #MyVoteMyDuty 🇮🇳🙏 #InkWaliSelfie #YouAreTheOne
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) May 25, 2024
पश्चिम बंगाल में उत्सव जैसा माहौल। मतदाता उत्साह के साथ मतदान केंद्रों पर वोट डाल रहे हैं। #WestBengal
📷 @CEOWestBengal#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024 #ECI #Phase6 pic.twitter.com/QL32YrPtvk
State-wise voter turnout till 11 am
Bihar: 23.67%
Haryana: 22.09%
Jammu and Kashmir: 23.11%
Jharkhand: 27.8%
Delhi: 21.69%
Odisha: 21.3%
Uttar Pradesh: 27.6%
West Bengal: 36.88%
Overall voter turnout recorded at 23.11 %
Anantnag - 13.80 %
Anantnag west - 16.18 %
Budhal (ST) - 26.14 %
DH Pora - 22.00 %
Devsar - 18.70 %
Dooru - 20.85 %
Kokernag (ST) - 25.27 %
Kulgam - 13.94 %
Mendhar - 28.00 %
Nowshera - 30.29 %
Pahalgam - 26.68 %
Poonch Haveli - 30.89 %
Rajouri (ST) - 34.63 %
Shangus - Anantnag East - 16.99 %
Srigufawara - Bijbehara - 18.00 %
Surankot (ST) - 24.62 %
Thanna Mandi (ST) - 29.92 %
Zainapora - 19.30 %
Allahabad: 23.88%
Ambedkar Nagar: 30.02%
Azamgarh: 28.6%
Basti: 29.8%
Bhadohi: 25.51%
Domariyaganj: 27.74%
Jaunpur: 26.81%
Lalganj: 28.4%
Machhlishahr: 27.18%
Phulpur: 22.85%
Pratapgarh: 26.35%
Sant Kabir Nagar: 27.35%
Shrawasti: 26.69%
Sultanpur: 28.05%
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat castes his vote in Kurukshetra
BJP candidate from Rohtak Lok Sabha seat Dr Arvind Sharma cast his vote in Jhajjar.
Congress candidate from Rohtak, Deepender Singh Hooda cast his vote at a polling station in his native village Sanghi in Rohtak
Former Chief Minister and leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda cast his vote
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala casted his vote at a polling centre in Kaithal
JJP candidate from Gurgaon and singer Rahul Yadav (Fazilpuria) cast his vote after planting trees at the polling station and offering prayer at the temple
Olympian wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat cast her vote in Charkhi Dadri
Delhi recorded a voter turnout of 21.69% at 11 am in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha election. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have cast their votes in the Capital. After voting, Kejriwal said, “People are voting in large numbers against dictatorship, inflation and unemployment.”
Amid voting a lot of political leaders were seen posting videos and allegations on social media against the opposition.
Udit Raj, the Congress candidate for North West Delhi who cast his vote during the early hours of the voting claimed that polling agents of the INDIA alliance are not being allowed inside the booths.
Amid voting in the sixth phase, AAP candidate Somnath Bharti alleged that the BJP polling agents are carrying pamphlets inside the booth. In a post on X, Bharti said, "Shocked to report that every polling agent of the BJP is carrying candidate pamphlets inside the polling booth and shamelessly displaying the same fearing no one. Sharing video of what I saw inside booth no 134, 135, 137 and 138 of assembly constituency- 43."
There is tremendous enthusiasm among voters everywhere. There have been complaints of slow voting and machines not working at some places. I would just like to tell the public that the glitch in the machine is one thing but our spirits must remain high. It is very hot, we need to be patient but we must vote to save the country and the Constitution
Kanhaiya Kumar, Delhi Congress candidate
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Saturday alleged she had to wait for almost an hour to cast her vote as the battery of the EVM control unit at her polling booth "drained out" in New Delhi.
"We came to vote, they are saying that the machine's battery is down. If the machine's battery is down early in the morning, imagine what is the condition of the Election Commission," Karat said.
"I have written a complaint here, how is it that in the morning at 9 am the battery of the machine is down? What are the arrangements that they have made? People are waiting here in the heat for so long," she said.
Karat later told PTI she had to wait for around 50 minutes.
"The battery of the control unit of polling station No 27 at St Columba's School, Ashok Place, drained at around 10:00 am. At that time, approximately 10 voters were in queue. Battery was replaced in 15 minutes and voting resumed," sources in the poll body said.
"Presently, voting is going on. There is no major hindrance in the voting process," the source said.
Atishi ji had expressed apprehension yesterday that the voters of INDIA alliance will be stopped by police. The apprehension of the Aam Aadmi Party proved right. Election Commission please take cognizance
Kuldeep Kumar, East Delhi MLA
At the booth no. 79 (Ranbasera), the control unit was not working here. When it started working then the ballot unit stopped working. Police have destroyed my election agent form and threatened me that they will arrest me.
Mudit Agarwal, polling agent of Delhi Congress candidate
PDP leader Iltija Mufti Saturday alleged polling was being deliberately slowed down at a booth in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, a charge denied by the administration.
"Polling is deliberately being slowed down in Khanabal polling station number 26. Request @DCAnantnag @ECISVEEP to look into it," she said in a post on X.
Other PDP leaders also alleged voting was slowed down at other booths.
However, the administration denied the charges, saying voting was going on smoothly.
"The voting at the polling station 26 is ongoing smoothly. The voting percentage till 9.00 am was 11.75 % and till latest update it is 20.7 %," Directorate of Information and Public Relations said on X.
Scattered incidents of violence were reported from some areas in the eight Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal, where polling is underway for the sixth phase on Saturday, officials said.
The Election Commission has received 954 complaints until 11 am from different political parties, alleging EVM malfunctions and agents being stopped from entering booths, they said.
The poll panel, however, claimed that voting has been peaceful so far.
Clashes reportedly broke out between supporters of the ruling TMC and BJP in the Ghatal constituency over stopping polling agents from entering the booths.
BJP candidate Hiran Chatterjee claimed that TMC goons are running havoc and creating hurdles in the voting process.
"Our booth agents are not allowed to sit inside the booths," he alleged.
BJP activists also staged a protest on the road and set tyres on fire in the area.
Sitting TMC MP Dev, who is seeking re-election from the seat, however, rubbished the allegations.
"The TMC and the central forces are working against us. They are beating our party supporters," BJP candidate Soumendu Adhikari claimed.
State-wise voter turnout till 1 pm
Bihar: 36.48%
Haryana: 36.48%
Jammu and Kashmir: 35.22%
Jharkhand: 42.54%
Delhi: 34.37%
Odisha: 35.69%
Uttar Pradesh: 37.23%
West Bengal: 54.8%
Malfunctioning of EVM reported at booth no-258 in Keonjhar, booth no-122 in Nayapalli area and booth no-159 in Patrapada area of Bhubaneswar, booth no-82 in Deogarh, booth no-81 in Kalapada of Cuttack, booth no-149 in Talcher, booth no-13, 49 and 50 in Krushnaprasad of Puri district and booth no-157 in Dhenkanal.
Issues sorted out and EVMs are now working properly. Voting is going on smoothly.
Violence reported inside a polling booth under the Athagarh Assembly constituency in Odisha's Cuttack district with BJD and BJP workers resorting to a clash following the passing of comments and then leading to exchange of hot words in the presence of Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain.
At least four persons from both the sides were injured in the clash which erupted while Swain had gone to cast his vote in the model polling station set up in his native Radhagovindpur gram panchayat.
The city of New Delhi in India experienced significant excitement among women and young first-time voters on Saturday as they eagerly cast their votes.
"Never such an enthusiasm was seen especially amongst women and youth for casting their votes in the general elections as is being seen this time," remarked Dr Mohan Saxena, an old aged voter in Mayur vihar phase -I area.
Taking rounds across many areas in the national capital, first-time voters and women voters were seen on the move towards their respective polling booths or standing in the line outside the polling booths.
Elated at the voters coming out from their homes for voting, a senior official quipped "That's called democracy wherein voting is taking place with festive cheers! Long live democracy in India!."
Niraj Kumar a first-time voter in New Delhi said that he went to vote just because of a hope that India will get a new height in development and employment for the youth.
"We didn't consider who was the candidate.What we considered was which party has promised us employment and empowerment," Nilu Kumari, a first time voter in Delhi remarked.
Overall voter turnout in Odisha till 1 pm is 35.69%. Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency reports the highest turnout of 38.13% and Bhubaneswar saw the lowest at 33.01%. Puri records 37.26%, Dhenkanal 36%, Keonjhar 35.63% and Cuttack is at 34.4%.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik casted his votes in the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Patnaik exercised his voting right at the Aerodrome UP School in Bhubaneswar.
He requested all electorates, especially the young voters, to come out and vote, and exercise their democratic franchise.
When asked how confident he is about the poll prospects of BJD, Naveen said, "I expect BJD will have great victory both in the Assembly and Parliament elections. We will form a very stable government in the state again with the blessings of people and Lord Jagannath."
BJD star campaigner and 5T chairman VK Pandian cast his votes at Unit-VI in Bhubaneswar.
The Congress and the Samajwadi Party Saturday alleged that SP's Ambedkar Nagar Lok Sabha constituency candidate Lalji Verma has been put under house arrest at the behest of the ruling BJP.
Polling is underway in Ambedkar Nagar in the sixth phase of elections.
The district administration could not be reached for a comment on the allegations of the two parties.
SP leader Arvind Kumar Singh wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer alleging the Ambedkar Nagar administration is influencing the elections by keeping the SP candidate under house arrest.
Senior BJP leader and its Jhargram candidate Pranat Tudu on Saturday claimed his convoy was attacked in Garbeta area of West Midnapore district, following which security personnel escorting him were injured and had to be hospitalised.
The incident took place when Tudu was on his way to Garbeta in the wake of complaints that BJP agents were not allowed inside some polling booths.(Read here)
#WATCH | West Bengal | BJP candidate from Jhargram Lok Sabha seat, Pranat Tudu was attacked allegedly by miscreants when he was visiting booth number 200 in Monglapota in the parliamentary constituency today pic.twitter.com/bfEYH7KgXT
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024
49.2% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm, in the 6th phase of elections.
Bihar- 45.21% Haryana- 46.26% Jammu & Kashmir- 44.41% Jharkhand- 54.34% Delhi- 44.58% Odisha- 48.44% Uttar Pradesh-43.95% West Bengal- 70.19%
The voters in Punjab can check the length of queues at the polling booths from the comfort of their homes on June 1, said state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C after launching the 'voter queue information system' on Saturday.
Giving details about the system, Sibin C said the voters need to send a message by typing 'vote' to WhatsApp number 7447447217.
They will then receive a link that, when clicked, presents two options 'location' and 'booth', he said.
For the location-wise option, the voters will share their location, which will then display a list of polling booths near their house on the mobile screen, he added.
By entering booth number, the voters will receive real-time information on how many people are standing in the queue at that booth, he said.
For the booth-wise option, the voters will first select the state of Punjab, followed by their district.
Despite the oppressive heat, Delhiites turned out in significant numbers to cast their votes. Contrary to earlier predictions, there was no heatwave threat on the voting day, but the humid weather along with long queues and a single machine for over 1000 voters in a polling station caused discomfort to many. As promised by the Election Commission, there were no adequate coolers to manage the crowd and not enough sitting arrangements for the senior citizens were arranged inside the voting premises.
During the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha Polls, several political leaders took to social media to express concerns about the voting process. Allegations of EVM malfunctioning surfaced, with leaders claiming that the machines were not functioning correctly, potentially affecting the vote count. Additionally, there were complaints that certain polling agents were not being allowed inside polling stations.
More than 51 per cent of the 18.36-lakh electorate in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency exercised their franchise till 5 pm on Saturday, breaking the poll percentage record of more than 28 years, officials said here.
"The voter turnout in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency at 5 pm was 51.35 per cent," an official of the election department said here.
Officials said the Rajouri Assembly segment recorded the highest turnout of 67.09 per cent, while Nowshera recorded a poll percentage of 65.47.
The Anantnag, Anantnag West and Kulgam Assembly segments were the only three areas where the voter turnout has so far been below 35 per cent, they said.
Odisha recorded 59.60 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm in the six Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 assembly segments on Saturday, officials said.
Voting was held in Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri parliamentary constituencies along with 42 assembly segments within the jurisdiction of these Lok Sabha seats.
Till 5 pm, 59.60 per cent of the over 94.48 lakh electorate exercised their franchise, officials said, adding that the highest 65.91 per cent voting was recorded in Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat followed by Keonjhar (62.43 pc), Puri (61.17 pc), Dhenkanal (60.88 pc), Cuttack (54.36 pc) and Bhubaneswar (53.54 pc) Among the 42 assembly segments, Pallahara Vidhan Sabha recorded the highest 73.86 per cent voter turnout while the lowest 42.10 pc was registered at Barabati Cuttack segment by 5 pm
Altogether 52.24 per cent of 1.49 crore voters exercised their franchise in eight Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar till 5 pm on Saturday, officials said.
Voting began at 7 am in Valmiki Nagar, Pashchim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Maharajganj and Vaishali constituencies and will continue till 6 pm, a senior official at the CEO office said.
A voter turnout of 56.11 per cent was recorded in Vaishali, 55.78 per cent in Purvi Champaran, 55.22 per cent in Paschim Champaran, 54.37 in Sheohar, 54.09 per cent in Valmiki Nagar, 49.15 per cent in Maharajganj, 47.49 per cent in Siwan and 46.77 in Gopalganj till 5 pm.
The constituencies where elections are underway are largely rural areas with only 1,281 of the total 14,872 polling stations located in urban localities, officials said.
A voter turnout of 55.93 per cent was recorded in Haryana till 5 pm in its 10 Lok Sabha seats and polling remained peaceful on Saturday, officials said.
Polling ended at 6 pm but the turnout figure will increase as there were several people in queues waiting for their turn.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the overall poll percentage stood at 70 per cent.
Voting was also held for the bypoll to the Karnal assembly seat where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is in the fray.
The bypoll was necessitated by his predecessor Manohar Lal Khattar's resignation.
Official data showed that till 3 pm, the assembly seat had recorded a turnout of 41 per cent.
According to Election Commission (EC) data, after polling began at 7 am, the overall turnout till 9 am was 8.31 per cent, and it then increased to 36.48 per cent at 1 pm and 55.93 per cent at 5 pm.
Officials said polling went on smoothly across the state.
A voter turnout of 53.73 per cent was recorded till 5 pm in Delhi on Saturday, with people braving scorching heat to exercise their franchise in the seven Lok Sabha constituencies.
Delhi had witnessed 60.52 per cent voting in the 2019 general election when the BJP had swept all the seats.
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that 53.73 per cent turnout had been recorded till 5 pm with one hour left for the official closure time.
The highest turnout of 57.97 per cent was recorded in the North East Delhi constituency, while the New Delhi seat had the lowest voting percentage at 50.44.
Chandni Chowk recorded 53.27 per cent polling, East Delhi 53.69 per cent, North West Delhi 53.17 per cent, West Delhi 54.15 per cent and South Delhi 51.84 per cent.
West Bengal registered a voter turnout of 77.99 per cent till 5 pm in the eight Lok Sabha constituencies that went to polls in the sixth phase on Saturday, an official said.
Polling began at 7 am in Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram, Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura and Bishnupur constituencies.
It would continue till 6 pm.
Bishnupur (SC) recorded the highest polling at 81.47 per cent, followed by Tamluk 79.79 per cent, Jhargram (ST) 79.68 per cent, Ghatal 78.92 per cent, Medinipur 77.57 per cent, Bankura 76.79 per cent, Kanthi 75.66 per cent, and Purulia 74.09 per cent, he said.
Till 4 pm, the election office in West Bengal has received 1,985 complaints, he added.