In the third phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout of more than 25 per cent was recorded in 11 states and Union Territories, despite sporadic incidents of violence and reports of election boycotts in some areas. According to the electoral commission, a voting percentage of 25.41 percent was recorded at 11:00 a.m. Voting, which began at 7 am, will continue till 6 pm, PTI reported.
The PTI report stated that West Bengal recorded the highest turnout at 32.82 per cent, while Maharashtra recorded the lowest at 18.8 per cent. He further added that in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, villagers boycotted elections to protest the lack of attention to their demands for basic infrastructure.
Among other states, Assam polled 27.34 per cent, Bihar 24.41 per cent, Chhattisgarh 29.90 per cent, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 24.69 per cent, Goa 30 .94 percent, Gujarat 24.35 percent, Karnataka 24.48 percent and Madhya Pradesh. 30.21 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 26.12 per cent, according to the PTI report.
In Firozabad, three villages boycotted the elections to highlight local issues, while sporadic violence was reported in West Bengal, the report added.
Several complaints of electoral violence, voter intimidation and attacks on electoral agents were filed, and as of 9 am, 182 complaints were received.
Key candidates like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah cast their votes in Gujarat. In Karnataka, queues were seen at polling booths, with senior citizens and morning walkers arriving early to vote.
According to the PTI report, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Bhagwanth Khuba, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, former CM BS Yediyurappa and his family, including BY Vijayendra, cast their votes in the southern state.
“Of the 28 Lok Sabha seats, in my opinion, we (BJP) are going to win at least 25 or 26 seats. The atmosphere is very good,” Yediyurappa told PTI after voting.
In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP leader Sharad Pawar cast their votes amid traditional ceremonies.
In Assam, people braved rain to cast their votes in four Lok Sabha constituencies.
More than 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are competing in this phase, with prominent figures like Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mansukh Mandaviya in the fray. The third phase covered 189 seats, and the next phases are scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.