On Monday, the fourth phase of the general elections in Bharat took place across 96 parliamentary constituencies. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the overall voter turnout was approximately 63.41 percent.
West Bengal recorded the highest turnout at 76.29 percent, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 70.47 percent. However, Jammu and Kashmir reported the lowest turnout at 37.82 percent.
In other participating states, Andhra Pradesh saw a turnout of 68.20 percent, Bihar at 56.31 percent, Jharkhand at 64.59 percent, Maharashtra at 53.79 percent, Odisha at 64.23 percent, Telangana at 62.23 percent, and Uttar Pradesh at 58.03 percent. The ECI noted that the polling process was conducted smoothly and peacefully across all regions.
The ECI, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, closely monitored the polling process along with other commissioners, ensuring necessary directions were issued wherever required. Stringent security measures were implemented to create a safe environment for voters.
With the conclusion of the fourth phase, more than half of the general elections have been completed, covering 23 states/Union Territories and 379 parliamentary constituencies.
In addition, polling for state legislative assemblies in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and 28 assembly seats in Odisha has been completed.
In Kashmir, voting took place for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency under tight security. Similarly, certain assembly segments in Telangana had extended polling hours to boost voter participation.
The weather conditions during polling were largely favorable, with no extreme heat wave reported. Enthusiastic participation was observed across the states and Union Territories involved in the fourth phase.
A polling official in Champapet, Telangana, passed away while on duty. The ECI swiftly responded by directing the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana to provide immediate ex-gratia payment to the deceased polling officer’s family.
Numerous prominent figures contested in this phase, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leaders Mahua Moitra and Shatrughan Sinha, among others.
The next three phases of voting are scheduled for May 20, May 25, and June 1, with results expected to be announced on June 4.
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