Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 62% Voter Turnout in Phase One Across 21 States and UTs

The initial stage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a moderate voter turnout of 62% across 102 constituencies in 21 states and Union Territories, making it the largest phase in the seven-phase polls. The voting process was largely peaceful, with some minor incidents reported.

Tripura recorded the highest voter turnout at 80.17%, followed by West Bengal at 77.57%, Meghalaya at 74.21%, and Puducherry at 73.50%. Tamil Nadu, which completed its voting process in the first phase, recorded a 72.09% voter turnout. Madhya Pradesh witnessed an average voter turnout of around 66%, with the highest turnout of 78% in Chhindwara.

The high-profile electoral battle featured prominent leaders such as Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal, Congress's Gaurav Gogoi, DMK's Kanimozhi, and BJP's K. Annamalai. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is aiming to reach the 400-seat mark in the 543-strong Lok Sabha, riding on populist welfare schemes, while the Opposition's INDIA bloc is projecting issues like rising employment, inflation, and rural distress to criticize the government.

Why this matters: The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are critical for both the ruling BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, as they will determine the political landscape of India for the next five years. The voter turnout in the first phase, which covered a significant number of constituencies, could be an early indicator of the overall trend and the level of political engagement among the electorate.

The Election Commission emphasized the importance of each vote and the unparalleled value of the voting process, with a total of 16.63 crore people eligible to cast their votes in the first phase, including 35.67 lakh first-time voters and 3.51 crore young voters aged between 20 to 29 years. "The elections are seen as vital for upholding democracy and the Constitution, with the fight to protect these institutions beginning with this first phase," said a senior Election Commission official.

Key Takeaways

• First phase of 2024 Lok Sabha polls saw 62% voter turnout across 102 constituencies.
• Tripura recorded highest turnout at 80.17%, followed by West Bengal at 77.57%.
• BJP-led NDA aims for 400 seats, while INDIA bloc criticizes govt on issues like inflation.
• Elections seen as vital for upholding democracy, with 16.63 crore eligible voters.
• First phase covered significant constituencies, indicating overall electoral trend and engagement.