iNDICA NEWS BUREAU–
Polling commenced Friday morning (Thursday night, ET) in 88 constituencies spread across 13 states and Union Territories in the second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on people to participate in voting in large numbers and emphasised that every vote counts. The PM encouraged young and female voters to participate in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
“Urging everyone in constituencies voting today, in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, to participate in record numbers. A high voter turnout strengthens our democracy. I especially urge our young voters and women voters to turn out in great numbers. Your vote is your voice!” the PM said in a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to everyone to exercise their right to vote and participate in record numbers for a strong, secure, and prosperous nation.
“Today is the voting day for the second phase of the Lok Sabha Election. I appeal to all of you, who are exercising your right to vote today, to participate in this celebration of democracy with full enthusiasm and cast votes in record numbers for a strong, secure, and prosperous nation,” he said in the post on X.
Shah added “Encourage your friends and family to vote to help build a stronger India.”
“Choose a government that prioritises the development of the country, ensures border security, restores heritage, and makes powerful decisions in the national interest. Every vote of yours will contribute to strengthening the foundation of a developed India. Encourage your friends and relatives to vote as well,” Shah added in the post.
Voting began at 7 am on Friday (9.30 pm ET, Thursday) and will conclude at 6 pm (8.30 am ET, Friday) . The Lok Sabha election is being held in seven phases till June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4.
Kerala has the highest number of constituencies as all 20 seats will poll today, followed by Karnataka with 14 seats. The other states that will go to poll on Friday include Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Manipur. The poll for the Jammu parliamentary seat will also be held on Friday.
As many as 1202 candidates, including 1098 males and 102 females are in the fray.
There are 80.8 million male and 78 million female voters among the electorates who will decide the fate of candidates. As many as 5,929 third-gender electors will also exercise their franchise in the second phase of polls.
The apex poll body further said that 3.48 million first-time voters are registered to cast their votes. “Additionally, there are 32.8 million young voters in the age group 20-29 years,” it added.
Around 4195 Model polling stations are being set up across the 88 PCs with local themes. More than 4100 Polling stations will be completely managed by women including security staff and at over 640 Polling stations by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Polling stations in all states and UTs except Bihar and Kerala have less than 1000 average electors per polling station.
The first phase of voting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha election, the world’s largest electoral exercise, was held on April 19 in 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs. According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout registered was over 62 per cent. The third phase election will be held on May 7.
