📷 Image Credits: Mint
The Lok Sabha elections for the 18th Lok Sabha have concluded peacefully, with the voting in the seventh and final phase taking place across various constituencies. The Election Commission of India reported a voter turnout of over 59.46% in the seventh phase, with the final numbers to be released soon. The voting process took place amidst a severe heatwave affecting many regions, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
In Jharkhand, the highest voter turnout was recorded, with nearly 70% of voters exercising their mandate, while Bihar saw the lowest voter turnout at 50.8% in the seventh phase. Additionally, there were reports of violence between workers of the BJP and TMC in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali region. The Election Commission also noted complaints of glitches in Electronic Voting Machines and rigging at some booths, ensuring legal steps will be taken.
Notable figures such as Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, and the family of former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav were seen casting their votes. Himachal Pradesh witnessed a high-profile contest between actor Kangana Ranaut and state minister Vikramaditya Singh, with a 67.78% voter turnout by 8:00 PM.
Despite the overall high turnout, over 400 villagers in a Jharkhand village boycotted the voting to protest against the construction of a coal dumping yard. The Election Commission mentioned that the result of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4, with exit polls already predicting various outcomes.
Overall, the Indian electorate engaged in a democratic exercise, reflecting the democracy and spirit of the country. The Election Commission appreciated the voters, election machinery, security forces, political parties, and candidates for their contribution to this crucial democratic process.