On April 26, voting in 88 constituencies was conducted across 13 states, with the highest number of seats in Karnataka (20). Over 15.88 crore voters were eligible to exercise their franchise across 1.67 lakh polling stations, out of which only 10.1 crore citizens voted. This is a significant drop from 2019, phase 2 voter turnout count which was at 69.44% (11 crore voters).
In the North eastern states, numbers were pretty good. According to the Election Commission data, Tripura reported the highest turnout at 79.66%. In fact the violence struck state of Manipur had a pretty high count at 78.78%. Citizens there were brave enough to fulfill their duty towards the country despite high levels of threat in the area.
Northern states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan were expected to perform better but their turnout was recorded below 65%, even less than 2019 Phase 2 polls collectively. Uttar Pradesh had the worst performance with only 54.85% voting on the day. For two seats at Ghaziabad and Mathura each one, less than 50% voters voted.
In South, Karnataka and Kerala had decent numbers though not sufficient since the highest number of seats to be voted upon were from these two states. The Bangalore South constituency registered lowest voter turnout at 52.94%, especially when FM Nirmala Sitharaman herself casted vote and pleaded the voters of that constituency to come forward and exercise their right.
“I want more and more people to come out and vote…I think it is clear that people want a stable government, they want good policies, progress and development and that is why they are coming out. They want to see PM Modi continue his term.”, she told ANI.
The election commission has made several attempts to encourage citizens to vote. Delhi had declared a paid holiday on April 25, to suit the convenience of voters and stimulate them to vote.
“It is one of the reasons why we have increased our voter awareness campaigns and are trying to reach out to every possible group. We have reached out to market associations to offer discounts to people who vote and we are also planning a democracy discount at restaurants for polling day,” the Delhi election commission official told Hindustan Times.
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Voter Turnout in Listed States
- Assam- approx. turnout 77.35%, with highest in Nagaon constituency at 80.56%.
- Bihar- approx. turnout 57.81% and the highest in Kishanganj (61.75%). Lowest in Bhagalpur(51.44%)
- Chattisgarh- 76.24%, highest in Rajnandgaon (77.42%)
- Jammu- 72.32%
- Karnataka- 68.62%, highest in Mandya (81.67%) and lowest in Bangalore South (52.94%)
- Kerela- 71.01%, highest in Vadkara (77.36%)
- Madhya Pradesh- 58.54%, lowest in Rewa (49.51%)
- Maharashtra – 59.63%, least in Yavatmal-Washim (57%)
- Manipur – 78.78%
- Rajasthan- 64.07% and least in Pali at 56.8%
- Tripura east – 79.66%
- UP- 54.85% and least in Mathura 49.29%
- Bengal- 75.59, highest in Balurghat 79.09%
The next phase, for 94 seats in 12 States and UTs, is scheduled on May 7. A better voter turnout is expected as influencers and politicians continue to promote Universal Adult Franchise, via the voter awareness program.
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