Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is in full swing, encompassing 96 parliamentary constituencies across nine states and one Union territory. As per the latest data released by the Election Commission of India, the voter turnout has surged to 40.32% by 1 pm.
Regional variations in voter participation have been observed, with Andhra Pradesh recording a turnout of 40.26%, Bihar at 34.44%, and Jammu and Kashmir reporting 23.57%. Notably, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh witness relatively higher turnouts at 43.80% and 48.52%, respectively. West Bengal leads with an impressive 51.87% turnout, while Maharashtra stands at 30.85%, and Odisha at 39.30%. Telangana and Uttar Pradesh report turnouts of 40.38% and 39.68%, respectively.
In addition to the parliamentary elections, all 175 seats of the Andhra Pradesh state legislative assembly and 28 seats of the Odisha state legislative assembly are also up for polling today.
A total of 1,717 candidates from 10 states and Union territories are vying for victory in this phase, with 4,264 nominations filed for the 96 parliamentary constituencies. Noteworthy contenders include Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Union minister Giriraj Singh, TMC leader Mohua Moitra, and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi.
The electoral landscape in Andhra Pradesh witnesses a fierce battle between the ruling YSRC, the Congress-led INDIA bloc, and the NDA, comprising the BJP, Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, and Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP). Simultaneously, 28 legislative assembly seats in Odisha are hotly contested.
A robust logistical apparatus has been deployed, with over 19 lakh polling officials stationed across 1.92 lakh polling stations to facilitate voting for over 17.70 crore eligible voters, including 8.73 crore women.
As voting progresses in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape in key states and constituencies is witnessing significant activity. The results of these elections are eagerly awaited, as they are expected to shape the future trajectory of Indian politics.
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