High voter turnout marks second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024

The second phase of India‘s Lok Sabha elections has recorded significant voter turnout differences across the nation, with Tripura leading at 78.53%, showcasing the highest voter engagement. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh observed the lowest turnout at 53.71%, according to the Election Commission of India. This phase of the election, which impacted 88 seats across 13 states and Union Territories, occurred from 8 AM to 6 PM, engaging a broad spectrum of the Indian electorate.

Other states also demonstrated robust voter participation: Manipur (77.18%), West Bengal (71.84%), Chhattisgarh (72.61%), and Assam (70.66%). On the lower end, Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan registered turnouts of 53.84%, 54.91%, 55.77%, and 59.19%, respectively. Meanwhile, Kerala, Karnataka, and Jammu and Kashmir posted turnout figures of 63.97%, 64.85%, and 71.21%, highlighting a diverse electoral engagement across the country.

The elections were not just about voter turnout; they also featured prominent candidates like Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil. Other notable figures included DK Suresh, the brother of Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. From the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), candidates such as Hema Malini, Om Birla, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat sought reelection, aiming for a hat-trick in their constituencies.

The polling was conducted under challenging conditions, including intense heat in several constituencies. Despite these hurdles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to encourage voter participation, emphasizing the importance of a high turnout for strengthening democracy. Modi praised the electorate’s support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), highlighting the enthusiasm of youth and women voters.

The varied voter turnout across states during this second phase indicates a complex interplay of regional issues, candidate profiles, and party strategies. High turnout in states like Tripura and Manipur suggests strong voter engagement and potential shifts in regional political dynamics. The relatively lower turnout in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra may reflect voter sentiments and the specific challenges faced by these regions, including logistical issues or voter fatigue.