Tripura achieves highest turnout at 79.46%, while UP records lowest at 54.85% in recent polling
The second phase of Lok Sabha elections, spanning 88 seats across 12 states and a union territory, concluded with a voter turnout of 63.50%, the Election Commission reported. Despite the sweltering heat, voters in significant numbers made their way to the polls between 7 am and 6 pm. This turnout marks a slight decrease from the previous elections, with final figures pending as reports continue to flow in from all polling stations.
In states like Tripura and Manipur, voter enthusiasm remained notably high. Tripura recorded the highest turnout with 79.46%, while Manipur followed closely with 77.32%. This enthusiastic participation contrasted sharply with Uttar Pradesh, where the turnout was the lowest at just 54.85%, a drop from the 62% observed in the 2019 elections for the same seats.
During this phase, polling extended across all 20 constituencies in Kerala and 14 out of the 28 in Karnataka, among other states. Noteworthy was the turnout in Kerala’s Wayanad, where 72.70% of eligible voters cast their votes, including in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s constituency.
The voter turnout in Assam was robust, with 71.11% of the electorate casting their votes across five parliamentary constituencies. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir reported a turnout of 71.91%, indicating strong voter engagement in these regions.
However, the phase was not without challenges. Initial boycotts in villages within Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, Rajasthan’s Banswara, and Maharashtra’s Parbhani saw voters eventually persuaded to participate by authorities. In Maharashtra, the polling saw a turnout of 57.83% across eight constituencies, while Rajasthan achieved 64.07%.
The polling process was largely peaceful, though nearly 300 complaints, mainly concerning EVM malfunctions, were recorded in West Bengal, where the voter turnout was an impressive 71.84%.
As this electoral phase wraps up, the focus now shifts to the subsequent rounds of voting. The Election Commission continues to monitor conditions closely, especially in light of the intense heat, ensuring that all voters have the opportunity to participate safely in the democratic process
