Vibrant voter participation marks Phase 2 of Lok Sabha Polls across India

The second phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 witnessed a vibrant display of democratic spirit as people from various walks of life across India turned up in large numbers to cast their votes. From a groom in Maharashtra to families in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the turnout was a testament to the commitment towards shaping the nation’s future through the ballot.

In Maharashtra, Akash, a groom from Amravati, exemplified this commitment by leaving his wedding ceremony to vote. His act of prioritizing civic duty over personal celebrations resonated with many voters. The state, recording a 53.51% turnout by 5 pm, also saw unique instances such as restaurants in Bengaluru offering free food to voters and polling booths in Chhattisgarh decorated like ‘mandaps’ with traditional marriage rituals on display.

Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh witnessed touching scenes of multi-generational and elderly voting. In Kota-Bundi constituency, 108-year-old Bhuri Bai cast her vote, while in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, 102-year-old Haji Karamdin exercised his right. In Sankand, Jalore, a man, his son, and granddaughters representing three generations voted together, capturing the essence of family and democracy.

Google joined the electoral fervor with a doodle celebrating the inked index finger, symbolizing the act of voting. However, not all areas experienced smooth polling, with reports of boycotts in Maharashtra’s Parbhani, Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, and Tripura’s Tripura East constituencies over various issues.

Maharashtra saw a total of 204 candidates contesting across eight constituencies, with key battles in Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim, and Hingoli between the Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). The state’s low turnout, compared to other states polling that day, highlighted the need for increased voter engagement and awareness.

In Maharashtra, voter turnout reached 53.51% by 5 pm, the lowest among the 12 states polling that day. The state saw a total of 204 candidates contesting across eight constituencies.

The Lok Sabha polls are being held in a seven-phased manner. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.So far, Maharashtra has registered the lowest voting percentage in phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls with 43.01 per cent till 3 pm.According to the poll body data, Bihar has registered a 44.24 per cent voter turnout, Jammu and Kashmir (57.76 per cent), Karnataka (50.93 per cent), Kerala (51.64 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (46.68 per cent), Rajasthan (50.27 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (44.13 per cent). The Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4. As the democratic process unfolds, these instances of voter engagement and enthusiasm highlight the importance of each vote in shaping the nation’s future.(With inputs from ANI)