Voter Turnout Declines in Western Uttar Pradesh in First Phase of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

Voter turnout in western Uttar Pradesh fell by an average of 7.3% across eight constituencies in the first round of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections compared to the 2019 elections. The two cities that had the biggest decreases were Muzaffarnagar (8.91%), and Rampur (8.4%).

Experts attribute the lower turnout to several factors, including the lack of emotive issues, voter discontent, and scorching summer weather. The impact was observed in constituencies such as Muzaffarnagar, Rampur, Bijnor, and Pilibhit. An absence of major political issues, dissatisfaction among certain voter groups, and high temperatures affecting voter mobilization were cited as reasons for the decreased participation.

Despite the overall decline, some constituencies like Saharanpur maintained relatively higher turnout due to polarized political contests. The Samajwadi Party alleged EVM malfunctioning and booth capturing by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Muzaffarnagar and Kairana, but the state election commission said polling was proceeding smoothly.

Why this matters: The decline in voter turnout in western Uttar Pradesh during the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections raises concerns about voter engagement and the factors influencing electoral participation. The outcome of these elections could have significant implications for the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh and the country as a whole.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won three of the eight seats in western Uttar Pradesh, while the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party had won two seats each. The BJP later wrested the Rampur seat from the SP in a June 2022 by-poll. Farmer leader Naresh Tikait criticized the BJP's claim of winning over 400 seats, saying people are not very excited about the elections. The Election Commission made arrangements for webcasting and videography at polling stations for effective supervision.

Key Takeaways

• Voter turnout in western UP decreased by 7.3% in 2024 LS polls vs 2019.
• Biggest drops in Rampur (8.4%) and Muzaffarnagar (8.91%).
• Lack of emotive issues, voter discontent, and summer heat blamed for lower turnout.
• BJP won 3 of 8 seats in 2019, SP and BSP won 2 each.
• BJP later won Rampur seat from SP in 2022 by-poll.