New Delhi: Polling in the second phase of General Elections 2024 commenced at 7 AM today across 88 Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) in India, recording an approximate voter turnout of 60.96% as of 7 PM. Voters from 13 States/Union Territories (UTs) participated enthusiastically, braving the hot weather conditions to cast their votes at their respective polling stations.
From newlyweds to senior citizens, tribals to IT professionals, persons with disabilities (PwDs), women, and youngsters, all queued up patiently, reflecting their commitment to exercising their democratic right. With the conclusion of phase-2, voting has been completed in 14 States/UTs for General Elections 2024.
The polling process was conducted smoothly and peacefully across all States/UTs. The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, monitored the polling process closely throughout the day. Stringent security measures were implemented to ensure law and order, creating a conducive environment for voters.
Webcasting was deployed in over 1 lakh Polling Stations to monitor the proceedings. In several polling stations in Bihar’s Banka, Madhepura, Khagaria, and Munger constituencies, polling time was extended till 6 PM to accommodate voters in the hot weather conditions. Special arrangements, including shade, drinking water, medical kits, and fans, were made to facilitate voters’ comfort.
Polling officials and voters showcased their cultural diversity by adorning traditional attire, celebrating the festival of democracy. Women voters in Sikar, Rajasthan, and polling staff in Varuna constituency, Karnataka, were seen dressed in traditional attire, adding color to the polling process.
In a landmark development, voters from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker PCs in Chhattisgarh cast their votes in polling booths set up within their own villages for the first time in a Lok Sabha Election. Overall, 102 new polling stations were established across these PCs, enhancing accessibility for villagers.
Special efforts were made by the Commission to facilitate voting among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), elderly, young, first-time voters, women, and transgender individuals.
Notable personalities, including cricketing legends Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, and Javagal Srinath, were spotted casting their votes at different Polling Stations in Bangalore, encouraging the youth to participate in the electoral process.
In a remote area of Dhalai Assembly segment in Tripura, voters from Raima Valley arrived at polling stations via boats, showcasing their dedication to exercising their democratic right.
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