Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:28pm on 19 Apr 2024,Friday Politics
In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections across 21 states and Union Territories, the voter turnout stood at 59.71% till 6 PM, a decrease from 2019's 69.43%. Despite reports of violence in West Bengal and Manipur, Bengal recorded the highest turnout at 77.57%, followed by Tripura (76.10%) and Puducherry (72.84%). Prominent figures like P. Chidambaram and Rajinikanth exercised their franchise. The ruling NDA seeks a third term under PM Modi, while the opposition aims to gain ground. The Election Commission deployed over 18 lakh polling personnel across 1.87 lakh stations. Voting continues in the seven-phase election until June 4.
