Nearly 61% turnout recorded in phase 2

KC says polling is now complete in 14 states and Union Territories

The second phase of Lok Sabha elections, spanning 88 constituencies across 13 states, witnessed a preliminary voter turnout of nearly 61 per cent. Amidst minor issues with electronic voting machines (EVMs) and isolated incidents of alleged bogus voting, the electoral process was largely peaceful. In certain villages within Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, Rajasthan’s Banswara, and Maharashtra’s Parbhani, local issues initially led to a boycott of the polls, but authorities were able to convince the residents to exercise their voting rights.

The EC said polling is now complete in 14 states and Union Territories.

The second stage of the seven-phase election began at 7 am and wrapped up at 6 pm, with some states experiencing intense heat. This follows the first phase, which was held on April 19, covering 102 seats in 21 states and Union Territories.

The Election Commission (EC) reported that the elections proceeded peacefully. The voter turnout stood at 60.96 per cent at 7 pm, with expectations that this figure would increase once all polling station reports were tallied. The EC also noted that voters present at polling stations at the close of the polling hour were permitted to vote.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Modi, is vying for a stronger majority in what would be a third consecutive term, while the Opposition INDIA bloc is aiming to recover from previous electoral defeats in 2014 and 2019.