In the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India, a notable voter turnout of 64.4 percent was recorded across 11 states and union territories. Assam emerged as the frontrunner with the highest turnout. Voting transpired in 93 constituencies on Tuesday, featuring over 1300 candidates vying for victory.
Incidents of violence remained minimal throughout the phase, marking a peaceful electoral process. However, there was a slight decline of 2.9 percent in the voter turnout compared to the 2019 general elections.
Assam boasted the highest voter participation at 81.61 percent, while Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest at 57.34 percent, reflecting varied engagement levels across regions.
Key political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, exercised their voting rights early in Ahmedabad. PM Modi encouraged citizens to actively contribute to the democratic exercise, emphasizing the importance of vibrant participation.
Following this phase, the fate of 283 parliamentary seats out of the total 543 is now sealed. The fourth phase is scheduled for May 13, encompassing 10 states.
Rural areas notably displayed higher voter engagement than urban counterparts, notably seen in Goa where a 75.20 percent turnout was recorded across 1,725 booths.
Karnataka showcased one of the highest turnouts among the participating states and UTs at 70.03 percent.
However, amidst the largely peaceful proceedings, a bus carrying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and polling staff caught fire in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district, resulting in damage to some voting machines, though no injuries were reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to file his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat on May 14, preceded by a roadshow in his parliamentary constituency on May 13.
In contrast, instances of clashes between BJP, TMC, and Congress-CPI(M) workers marred the process in West Bengal’s four constituencies, including various parts of Murshidabad and Jangipur seats.
Several prominent figures, including PM Modi, Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Sharad Pawar, exercised their franchise during Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha polls.
The Election Commission released data indicating the overall turnout, emphasizing the peaceful conduct of the elections across the nation.
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