Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2 LIVE: Tripura records highest voter turnout at 76% till 5 pm, UP trails at 52%

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Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2 LIVE Updates: While the voting was scheduled to close at 5 pm, all those who are inside the polling booth at the time of the scheduled closure will be allowed to cast the vote however long it takes, as per the norms read more

Representational image. PTI

'Congress is the party against OBCs, BJP will never end reservation for SC, ST, OBCs': Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that it's the Congress party that's against the other backward classes (OBCs).

Speaking at an election rally in Chhattisgarh's Durg, Shah said the Bharaiya Janata Party (BJP) will never end reservation for the scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), and OBCs.

"I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that if there's any party who is against OBCs then, it is Congress. They were against the Mandal Commission. It was PM Modi who established the Backward Classes Commission. I want to assure you all that BJP will never end reservation of SCs, STs and OBCs; this is PM Modi's guarantee," said Shah in Hindi.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Here's what Union Home Minister Amit Shah (@AmitShah) said while addressing a public rally in Durg, Chhattisgarh.

"I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that if there's any party who is against OBCs then, it is Congress. They were against the Mandal… pic.twitter.com/QyKBL1jC6v

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

BJP files 5 complaints against Congress in Karnataka, alleges cash distribution and illegal canvassing

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has filed five complaints against Congress in Karnataka for allegedly violating election rules on the day of polling, according to Vasanth Kumar, Convenor, BJP Legal Cell.

In a video statement, Kumar said the party has filed complaints against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for talking to party workers inside a polling booth in Mysuru. He said the alleged act comprised canvassing which is banned on the day of voting.

Kumar further said that the BJP has filed complaints against Venkatesh, a former councilor, for allegedly distributing cash to voters in Kolar constituency. He added that a complaint has also been filed against Indian Youth Congress President Srinivas BV for holding a protest allegedly in violation of the model code of conduct Mysuru.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Vasanth Kumar, Advocate & BJP legal cell Convenor says, " Today 5 complaints were lodged with the Election Commission. One is canvassing and speaking to workers by CM Siddaramaiah inside a polling booth in Mysuru...another complaint is, in a polling… pic.twitter.com/C06alzb39L

— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) April 26, 2024

Tripura records highest voter turnout at 76% till 5 pm, UP records lowest at 52%

Tripura recorded the highest voter-turnout at 76.23% till 5 pm on Friday, according to figures from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Tripura was followed by the north-eastern state of Manipur which recorded the voter turnout of 76.06%, according to ECI figures carried by The Times of India.

Tripura and Manipur were followed by Chhattisgarh: (72.13%), West Bengal (71.04%), Assam: (70.66%), Jammu and Kashmir (67.22%), Kerala (63.97%), and Karnataka (63.9%).

Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest voter turnout at 52.64.

Among the trailing states, UP was followed by Bihar (53.03%), Maharashtra (53.5%), Madhya Pradesh (54.83%), and Rajasthan (59.19%).

Case filed against BJP leader Tejasvi Surya for soliciting votes on religious grounds, says CEO Karnataka

A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tejasvi Surva for soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, said the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka on Friday.

The case has been lodged at Jayanagar Police Station in Bengaluru, said the CEO Karnataka in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Case is booked against Tejasvi Surya MP and Candidate of Bengaluru South PC on 25.04.24 at Jayanagar PS u/s 123(3) for posting a video in X handle and soliciting votes on the ground of religion.

— Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka (@ceo_karnataka) April 26, 2024

Surya is the sitting MP from Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat and is seeking reelection on the same seat.

The case appears to be related to a video that Surya posted on X in which he flagged the disparity in the voting patterns of the voters of the BJP and Congress.

"Even though we have 80% people who support BJP, only 20% vote. Only 20% people support Congress, 80% vote. We have to vote in large numbers. Tomorrow, cast your most valuable vote without fail," wrote Surya in the post in Kannada, which accompanied a video message in Kannda with English subtitles.

ನಾವು, ಬಿಜೆಪಿಯನ್ನು ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸುವ ಶೇ.80 ರಷ್ಟು ಜನ ಇದ್ದರೂ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸುವುದು ಕೇವಲ 20 % ರಷ್ಟು ಮಾತ್ರ.

ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಅನ್ನು ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸುವ ಕೇವಲ ಶೇ.20 ರಷ್ಟು ಜನರು, ಶೇ.80 ರಷ್ಟು ಮತದಾನ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ನಾವು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಮತದಾನ ಮಾಡಲೇಬೇಕಿದೆ.

ನಾಳೆ, ತಪ್ಪದೇ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಅತ್ಯಮೂಲ್ಯ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸಿ. pic.twitter.com/dMTELGLkrz

— Tejasvi Surya (ಮೋದಿಯ ಪರಿವಾರ) (@Tejasvi_Surya) April 25, 2024

'Congress & RJD shoulder-to-shoulder in looting you': PM Modi slams opposition on inheritance tax

Even as the voting for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections continued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi trained his guns at the opposition over the issue of inheritance tax and said the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the principal opposition party in Bihar, is "shoulder-to-shoulder" in the scheme with Congress.

Speaking at an election rally in Bihar's Munger, Modi said Congress and RJD will "loot" the wealth and distribute it to their "special vote bank".

"Through the Inheritance Tax, Congress and RJD will loot your wealth and distribute it to their special vote bank. The whole country is worried. Every youth and old parent is worried. The country is saying, 'Congress ki loot, Zindagi ke sath bhi, Zindagi ke baad bhi'…They will loot even after death. RJD is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with the Congress in this scheme," said Modi in Hindi.

#WATCH | Addressing a public rally in Bihar's Munger, PM Modi says, "Through the Inheritance Tax, Congress and RJD will loot your wealth and distribute it to their special vote bank. The whole country is worried. Every youth and old parent is worried. The country is saying,… pic.twitter.com/YAtg3vCXLc

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

'Rahul Gandhi will have record-breaking victory in Wayanad, we'll win in double-digits in Rajasthan': Congress leader Pawan Khera

Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera has said that party leader Rahul Gandhi will score a record-breaking victory in Wayanad, Kerala.

Since 2019, Rahul has represented the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in the Parliament. Wayanad is among the 20 parliamentary constituencies of Kerala that went to polls on Friday in the second round of the seven-phase 2024 general elections.

"In today's polling, Wayanad is a significant seat and our popular leader Rahul Gandhi is fighting elections from there. Last time, with 4 lakh votes he (Rahul Gandhi) won, this time all victory records will be broken and we can say this with full confidence," said Khera at a press conference in Delhi in Hindi.

Exuding confidence in the party's performance, Khera further said Congress will win seats in double-digits in Rajasthan.

"I have been to Rajasthan for four days. I went through situations. We can say this we are bringing seats in the double-digit more than expected," said Khera.

#WATCH | Delhi: Congress leader Pawan Khera says, "In today's polling, Wayanad is a significant seat and our popular leader Rahul Gandhi is fighting elections from there. Last time, with 4 lakh votes he (Rahul Gandhi) won, this time all victory records will be broken and we can… pic.twitter.com/WR5V7tqt5K

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Tripura records highest voter turnout at 68.92% till 3 pm, Maharashtra records lowest at 43%

As of 3 pm, Tripura recorded the highest voter turnout at 68.92% in the second phase of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Maharasthra recorded the lowest voter turnout at 43.01%, according to data provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Maharashtra was followed by Manipur (68.48%), Chhattisgarh (63.32%), West Bengal (60.60%), and Assam (60.32%) among states with highest voter turnout.

Voter turnout till 3 pm for phase 2 of #LokasabhaElection2024

Assam 60.32%

Bihar 44.24%

Chhattisgarh 63.32%

Jammu And Kashmir 57.76%

Karnataka 50.93%

Kerala 51.64%

Madhya Pradesh 46.50%

Maharashtra 43.01%

Manipur 68.48%

Rajasthan 50.27%

Tripura 68.92%… pic.twitter.com/7hZEJ4AlJ3

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

In the second round of the seven-phase 2024 parliamentary elections, polling is taking place in 88 Lok Sabha constituencies in 13 states and union territories (UTs).

Samajwadi Party will be performing well

Samajwadi Party candidate from Mainpuri constituency Dimple Yadav said that her party is performing well in the polls. "Samajwadi Party and the alliance are performing very well. All the regional parties across the country are winning against the BJP…" Yadav told ANI.

#WATCH | Mainpuri, UP: Samajwadi Party candidate from Mainpuri constituency Dimple Yadav says, "Samajwadi Party and the alliance is performing very well. All the regional parties across the country are winning against the BJP..." pic.twitter.com/ojlO2Ud9or

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Fact at glance: All about phase 2 voting in Chhattisgarh

As the phase 2 polling reaches mid-way, the Election Commission of India (ECI) shared facts about the voting being conducted in Chattisgarh.

In a first, Bru voters exercise their franchise in Tripura Lok Sabha 2024

For the first time, Tripura's newly settled Bru voters exercised their franchise for the General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024 on Friday. Earlier, they had voted in the assembly elections held in March of last year.

Notably, the Bru migrants, who had been staying in six relief camps in the North Tripura district till 2020, have now received permanent settlement in 12 locations across the state.

Tripura leads voter turnout at 54.47%

Over 39% voter turnout was recorded in the first six hours of polling amidst reports of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some booths in Kerala and West Bengal.

Voters in four villages of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, Rajasthan's Banswara and Maharashtra's Parbhani boycotted polls over various issues.

Polling started at 7 a.m. and will continue till 6 p.m.. Election officials said the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 54.47% polling till 1 p.m., while the lowest turnout was in Maharashtra at 31.77%.

Assam: 46.31% voter turnout till 1 p.m. in 5 seats

An estimated 46.31% of 77,26,668 voters exercised their franchise till 1 p.m. in the five parliamentary constituencies of Assam, where polling is underway in the second phase, election officials said.

The highest polling of 49.72% was recorded in Darrang-Udalguri, closely followed by 49.14% in Karimganj, 46.40% in Diphu (ST), 44.48% in Nagaon and 40.23% in Silchar, they said.

Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 5 p.m.

 Uddhav Thackeray says Mumbai Cong president Varsha Gaikwad 'will win' from Mumbai North Central Seat

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray expressed confidence that Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad will emerge victorious from the Mumbai North Central seat.

Thackeray, referring to Gaikwad as his younger sister, affirmed that she would receive his vote, being a constituent of the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha constituency. Thackeray assured the full support of his party for the victory of Varsha Gaikwad.

Phase 2 voter turnout till 1 PM

Assam 46.31%

Bihar 33.80%

Chhattisgarh 53.09%

Jammu And Kashmir 42.88%

Karnataka 38.23%

Kerala 39.26%

Madhya Pradesh 38.96%

Maharashtra 31.77%

Manipur 54.26%

Rajasthan 40.39%

Tripura 54.47%

Uttar Pradesh 35.73%

West Bengal 47.29%

Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee grooves to traditional song while 3 constituencies in West Bengal conducts polling | WATCH

During a public rally at Ghatal in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee joined the local artists and danced to traditional music.

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Facts at a glance: What's happening in West Bengal?

In the state of West Bengal, three constituencies went to poll in phase 2 of the elections. Here are some of the figures released by ECI.

PM Modi hails Supreme Court judgement

In a scathing attack against the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Supreme Court's rejection of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was a "tight slap to the Opposition."

"RJD and Congress alliance in Bihar neither cares about the constitution of India, not about democracy. They did not let people exercise their right to vote for decades. Booth capturing was very common… They did not even let the people step out to vote… Now when the poor and honest voters have the strength of EVM, they are trying all they can to get rid of the EVM… Today, the Supreme Court has given a strong verdict saying that the old system of ballot paper voting will not come back," he said.

POLL UPDATE: Voter turnout in Karnataka

The voter turnout in Karnataka reached 38.23% till 1:30 pm. Here's a glance at where the figures stand.

POLL UPDATE: Voters turnout in Kerala reached 40.21 pc by 1:20

The voter turnout in Kerala reached 40.21 per cent by 1:20. Here's a look at the update constituency wise turnout.

Thiruvananthapuram-39.13%

Atingal-41.91%

Kollam-39.43%

Pathanamthitta-40.06%

Mavelikkara-40.16%

Alappuzha-42.25%

Kottayam-40.28%

Idukki-40.03%

Ernakulam-39.49%

Chalakudy-41.81%

Thrissur-40.58%

Palakkad-41.99%

Alathur-40.51%

Ponnani-35.90%

Malappuram-38.21%

Kozhikode-39.32%

Wayanad-41.10%

Vadakara-39.03%

Kannur-42.09%

Kasaragod-41.28%

WATCH: Locals enjoy as PM Modi conducts roadshow in Malda

Locals were seen with full zeal as Prime Minister Modi conducted an impromptu roadshow in Malda.

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Facts at glance: What's at stake in state of Assam

In the state of Assam, five seats are up for grabs in phase 2 of the polling. Here's a look at all the facts you need to now about the Assam Phase 2 polls.

Voters in Tripura take boat to arrive at polling station

Voters of the 44/68 Raima Valley Assembly segment, in a remote area of the Dhalai district, in Tripura, used boats to arrive at their polling booth to exercise their franchise. It is important to note that Tripura is currently witnessing the highest voter turnout of phase 2 of polls.

Voters in remote areas of Tripura arrive at polling stations to vote. Source: ECI

WATCH: Volunteers help senior citizens with wheelchairs at polling booths

Thousands of Volunteers who are stationed at various polling stations across the country provide senior citizens with wheelchairs so that they can cast their votes.

#WATCH | Senior citizen voters being assisted with wheelchairs by polling volunteers at various booths.

Visuals from a polling booth in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/PBKhSMJTTx

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

POLL UPDATE: Voter turnout in Kerala till 12:20 pm

Here's a look at the constituency voter turnout in the state of Kerala:

Thiruvananthapuram-32.55%

Atingal-35.15%

Kollam-33.07%

Pathanamthitta-33.63%

Mavelikkara-33.80%

Alappuzha-35.13%

Kottayam-33.50%

Idukki-33.40%

Ernakulam-32.92%

Chalakudy-34.79%

Thrissur-33.48%

Palakkad-35.10%

Alathur-33.27%

Ponnani-29.66%

Malappuram-31.58%

Kozhikode-32.71%

Wayanad-34.12%

Vadakara-32.18%

Kannur-34.51%

Kasaragod-33.82%

ISRO Scientist Nambi Narayanan's message to first-time voters

While discussing the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, ISRO Scientist Nambi Narayanan shared a message for the first-time voters in the state of Kerala.

"I don't have a special message, but a normal message, particularly to those who are coming for the first time to vote; here in Kerala, we are about 2.77 crores of voters, out of which 5 lakhs or something voters are new for the first time. I think first of all, they should be happy as they are part of the system…In Kerala, the community is more educated, I hope they understand who rules the centre and state…They also must fathom who is suitable for them," the ISRO scientist told ANI.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: On the second phase of #LokSabhaElections2024, former ISRO Scientist Nambi Narayanan says, "I don't have a special message, but a normal message, particularly to those who are coming for the first time to vote; here in Kerala, we are about… pic.twitter.com/Nvm6IPKRL3

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

"No matter whether you like the system or not; you should vote as it matters a lot. The only message I will give to the younger generation is to make sure you vote and go to the polling booth at the earliest before the sun comes very hot…" he added.

State-wise Voter turnout till 11 am

The ECI released the state-wise voter turnout of Phase 2 of the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls. While the state of Tripura witnessed the highest turnout, Maharashtra struggled to garner voters. Here's a glance at state-wise voter turnout till 11 am:

Facts at a glance: All about phase 2 voting in Uttar Pradesh

The Election Commission of India (ECI) shared all the facts about the phase 2 polling that is currently underway in the state of Uttar Pradesh. A total of eight seats are up for grabs in the second phase of the voting.

People inclined more towards BJP after Congress' manifesto was released: Amit Shah

Union Minister Amit Shah said that the general public's inclination towards BJP increased after Congress released its own manifesto. "After Congress manifesto was released, people's inclination towards BJP has further increased…Congress manifesto speaks of taking forward Personal Law. I would like to ask Rahul Gandhi, will this country now run on Sharia?" Shah told ANI as the country undergoes phase 2 of polling.

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah. File Photo

India General Elections Phase 2

Senior politicians, LS poll candidates, actors cast votes in early hours of polling in Kerala

During Kerala's first hours of voting for the general election, notable individuals, including incumbent lawmakers and candidates running for the Lok Sabha, showed up.

Early in the morning, BJP state president K Surendran, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of the Opposition in the state legislature V D Satheesan, candidates from the saffron party, Suresh Gopi and Anil Antony, and Congressmen K C Venugopal and Shafi Parambil were observed casting their ballots.

Along with them, prominent members of the Congress party A K Antony, KPCC president K Sudhakaran, LDF convener E P Jayarajan, and Thomas Isaac of the CPI(M) arrived early to cast their ballots.

BJP candidate Navnit Rana casts vote in Amravati

Navnit Rana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Amravati, exercised her franchise along with her husband Ravi Rana at a polling booth in Amravati during the Lok Sabha polls.

'Women across the party line are favouring us,' Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar asserts

"Karnataka is going to poll. Karnataka is giving a big result. The people are very happy that whatever we have spoken in the last elections, we have delivered. There will be a big turnout. The women across the party line are favouring us," said Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar

'RSS has always been against reservation..' Jairam Ramesh attacks BJP and RSS

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says, "This is PM Narendra Modi's agenda of polarisation. We have always said that we want to empower the weak sections of society like SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and women. We want rapid economic development in the country and the benefits of it to reach everyone… It shouldn't be that the beneficiaries are mere 20-21 billionaires of the country and the price is paid by crores of people… The reality behind their slogan of '400 paar' is that they want to change the constitution… They are against reservation. They want to remove this constitution, and RSS has always been against reservation. The census was supposed to be conducted in 2021, but till now it hasn't been done because a census would have revealed the population of SCs and STs. Our constitution offers reservations based on population. We have no hidden agenda. Our agenda is clearly written in our manifesto…"

Congress will not win more than 30 seats, BJP leader Tejasvi Surya after casting vote

BJP leader Tejasvi Surya cast his vote in Bengaluru on Friday. After voting, Surya said that the Congress party may not win more than 30 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

'PM Modi's 10-year regime is a golden era in independent India', says Yogi Adityanath

As the country is witnessing the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 10-year regime is a golden era in independent India.

Expressing his views, Yogi Adityanath said the country wants to see work and PM Modi has given a new direction. "The country wants to see work and PM Modi has given a new direction to the country. His 10-year regime is a golden era in independent India."

He further added, "In every sector, India has done something new. Today, India is established as a rapidly progressing economy. This will prove to be beneficial for the BJP."

The UP Chief Minister also said that the people are blessing the works done by PM Narendra Modi.

Tripura East records 16.97 pc voter turnout till 9 am

The Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a voter turnout of 16.97 per cent till 9 am on Friday, an official said.

Long queues were seen outside polling stations since morning, as people turned up early to beat the heat, Returning Officer Saju Vaheed said.

"Some EVMs were replaced after reports of malfunctioning… Polling is underway in a smooth manner, he said.

Why is the life of the poor still miserable?, asks BSP president Mayawati

BSP president Mayawati targeted the BJP over its promise of bringing good days for farmers, poor and other deprived people, asking why the lives of crores of poor, SC, ST, OBC, and minorities continue to lead a miserable life?

1. देश में आज लोकसभा के लिए दूसरे चरण के मतदान में खासकर गरीबों, बेरोजगारों, किसानों, महिलाओं व अन्य वंचितों को यह जरूर सोचना है कि भाजपा के अच्छे दिन तो आपने ला दिए लेकिन आपके 'अच्छे दिन' लाने के उनके बहुप्रचारित लुभावने वादे का क्या हुआ? बल्कि उनका जीवन इतना त्रस्त क्यों?

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) April 26, 2024

BJP-NDA govt to be formed once again under PM Modi's leadership, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Friday said he was confident that the BJP-NDA government will be formed once against under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi once the election results are out on June 4.

Don't be swayed by diversionary tactics, come out and vote to protect democracy: Kharge to voters

As polling for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections began, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday urged voters to come out and vote to protect democracy from the clutches of dictatorship.

In a fervent appeal to voters, he said this is not an ordinary election and they should not be swayed by any diversionary tactics.

He said the Constitution should reverberate in their hearts before they push to voting button.

Kerala: Senior Congress leader AK Antony casts his vote

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Bihar: Nearly 10 pc voter turnout recorded in 5 LS seats till 9 am

Around 9.84 per cent of over 93 lakh voters in five Lok Sabha constituencies of Bihar exercised their franchise till 9 am on Friday, an official said.

Polling started at 7 am in Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur and Banka and will continue till 6 pm, he said.

The electors, including 45.15 lakh women and 306 belonging to the third gender, will decide the fate of 50 nominees.

Visuals of voting at a polling booth in Ghaziabad's Indirapuram

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Assam: 5 Lok Sabha seats record voter turnout of 9.15% till 9 a.m.

In Assam, five parliamentary constituencies are voting today. An estimated 9.15% of 77,26,668 electors voted till 9 a.m., officials said.

The highest polling of 14.13% was recorded in Diphu (ST), followed by 9.61% in Karimganj, 9.16% at Darrang-Udalguri, 9.07% in Nagaon and the lowest 5.49% in Silchar, they said.

Tripura leads voter turnout at 16.65 pc, West Bengal at 15.68 pc till 9 am

Tripura is witnessing a high voter turnout after 16.65 per cent voting percentage was recorded in the North-eastern state till 9:00 AM, as per the data released by the Election Commission of India.

Other states like West Bengal (15.68), Manipur (15.49) and Chhattisgarh (15.42) are also witnessing high voter turnout.

Altercation in Bengal's Balurghat

An altercation occurred in Balurghat between TMC members and West Bengal BJP chairman Sukanta Majumdar, who is running for Lok Sabha. Majumdar claims that a voting place was crowded with TMC employees. Slogans for Majumdar to "go back" were also audible.

PM Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Amit Shah have done a lot for the country, says Hema Malini

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: "PM Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and Home Minister Amit Shah have done a lot for the country. We are definitely winning; there is no problem," says actor and BJP candidate from UP's Mathura seat Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema).… pic.twitter.com/nbmlGuWLlL

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

HD Deve Gowda casts his vote

Former PM and JD(S) president HD Deve Gowda casts his vote at a polling booth in Hassan.

#WATCH | Karnataka: Former PM and JD(S) president HD Deve Gowda casts his vote at a polling booth in Hassan. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/JGjA9CcCPI

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

5 Lok Sabha seats in Assam record voter turnout of 9.15 pc till 9 am

An estimated 9.15 per cent of 77,26,668 electors voted till 9 am in five parliamentary constituencies of Assam, where polling is underway in the second phase on Friday, officials said.

The highest polling of 14.13 per cent was recorded in Diphu (ST), followed by 9.61 per cent in Karimganj, 9.16 per cent at Darrang-Udalguri, 9.07 per cent in Nagaon and the lowest 5.49 per cent in Silchar, they said.

Polling began at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm.

Battery-operated vehicles ferrying voters to a polling booth in Noida

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Congress candidate Shashi Tharoor arrives to cast his vote

VIDEO | Kerala: Congress candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) arrives to cast his vote at a polling booth.

Polling is underway in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union territories in the second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.… pic.twitter.com/HApRq8SyN8

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Kerala records 8.52 % turnout till 9 am

Kerala recorded 8.52 % voter turnout in Kerala till 9 am during the phase 2 polling underway at all 20 seats. Karnataka recorded 9.21 % turnout, MP saw 13.82 % turnout, according to  Election Commission.

Senior citizens cast their vote at a polling booth in Darjeeling

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: Senior citizens cast their vote at a polling booth set up at Ram Krishna BT College in Darjeeling.#LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/ddkSsKXXDO

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Ashok Gehlot casts his vote in Jodhpur

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Hopeful of good voter turnout in Jammu's Reasi, says DEO as he joins early voters

Reasi District Election Officer (DEO) Vishesh Paul Mahajan on Friday joined early voters to exercise his democratic right as polling began in Jammu Lok Sabha constituency in the second phase.

The DEO said queues have started forming outside polling stations and he is hopeful of a good voter turnout in the district.

Mahajan, who hails from the Bahu area of Jammu, cast his vote at a pink booth at Government Higher Secondary School in the district headquarters immediately after the voting started at 7 am.

Reasi district is part of Jammu parliamentary constituency with more than 17.81 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 22 candidates.

BJP Kerala state president and Wayanad candidate K Surendran casts his vote

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Kerala state president and Wayanad candidate K Surendran (@surendranbjp) casts his vote in Kozhikode.

Polling is underway in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union territories in the second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.… pic.twitter.com/rzEga6DLS8

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Not a fight to save the constitution, says BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla

#WATCH | Rajasthan: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla says, "This is not a fight to save the constitution, the constitution is in good hands. They are just spreading lies. Social structure and social reservation will remain intact... The airport will definitely be constructed. The… pic.twitter.com/Qb7AmkFd0a

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Become a 'soldier of the Constitution' and vote to protect democracy, says Rahul Gandhi

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों!

देश की तकदीर का फैसला करने जा रहे इस ऐतिहासिक चुनाव का आज दूसरा चरण है।

आपका वोट तय करेगा कि अगली सरकार 'चंद अरबपतियों' की होगी या '140 करोड़ हिंदुस्तानियों' की।

इसलिए हर नागरिक का कर्तव्य है कि वह आज घर से बाहर निकले और 'संविधान का सिपाही' बन कर…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 26, 2024

FM Nirmala Sitharaman, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Rahul Dravid and actor Prakash Raj among early voters in Bengaluru

Among the first voters in Bengaluru were Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, actor Prakash Raj, legendary software industry figure N R Narayana Murthy, his wife and Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty, and former cricketer Rahul Dravid.

People trying to "beat the heat" cast ballots quickly in the opening hour of the election, according to many polling places. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In the first round of the election, 247 candidates—226 men and 21 women—are running in 14 segments that encompass the majority of the southern and coastal districts. In these districts, which have 30,602 polling places and more than 2.88 crore eligible voters, these candidates will compete.

We feel that the Congress will win double-digit seats in Rajasthan, says Ashok Gehlot

#WATCH | Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot says, "We feel that the Congress will win double-digit seats in Rajasthan, we should not be surprised...Votes hold a great significance. To strengthen democracy, it is important that we vote in large numbers...These elections are not mere… https://t.co/EiFExpHwMX pic.twitter.com/S7BKFNXAeS

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

We are going to win all 20 seats in Kerala, says UDF Thrissur Loksabha constituency candidate K Muraleedharan.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram | "We are going to win all 20 seats in Kerala. Unfortunately, there is a deal between CPM and BJP in Kerala. The news has come out that (LDF convener) EP Jayarajan met BJP leader Prakash Javadekar. Their link is clear. But we will block unholy alliance… pic.twitter.com/i5f0kyhoZT

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Today is the biggest day for the democracy says Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: "Today is the biggest day for the democracy. BJP has worked under the leadership of PM Modi for the last 10 years with the resolution of 'Viksit Bharat'," says Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) after casting his vote… pic.twitter.com/zSA5ZF61p0

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

What is the Election Commision?

The entire country is standing with PM Modi, says Shobha Karandlaje

VIDEO | Here's what Union minister and BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) after casting her vote in #Bengaluru.

"Siddaramaiah is frustrated that is why he is speaking against PM Modi. The entire country is standing with PM Modi. I urge all the voters to come out and… pic.twitter.com/wdyuzNnRyr

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Rahul Gandhi to address two public meetings in Karnataka today

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address public meetings in district headquarters towns of Vijayapura and Ballari in Karnataka on Friday, the party said.

The former Congress President is scheduled to address the election rally in Vijayapura (Bijapur) at 12.30 pm.

He will then fly to Ballari for the second public meeting, slated to begin at 3.30 pm.

The two Lok Sabha constituencies are among the 14 segments in the State that's going for polls on 7 May.

PM Modi to address poll rallies in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak at two election rallies in Bihar today.

The first rally will be at Forbesganj airfield in the Araria constituency and it is expected to start around 12:35.

Following this, he will address another rally at Munger airport at 14:30.

Polling begins in 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala; 5.62 per cent turnout after first hour's voting

Polling in all the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala for the 2024 general election commenced at 7am on Friday amidst tight security arrangements with the state witnessing 5.62 per cent turnout after the first hour of voting.

People queued up since early morning outside the over 25,000 polling booths in the state to avoid the hot weather that was likely as the day progressed.

Long queues of voters were seen outside polling booths in all Lok Sabha seats in the state.

'I want more and more people to come out and vote', says Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "... I want more and more people to come out and vote...I think it is clear that people want a stable government, they want good policies, progress and development and that is why they are coming out. They want to see PM… pic.twitter.com/nS7iobaPwi

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Rajasthan's Gajendra Singh Shekhawat casts his vote

#WATCH | Union Minister & BJP candidate from Rajasthan's Jodhpur, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat casts his vote at polling booth number 81-83 in Jodhpur

Voting is underway in 13 seats in Rajasthan in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections pic.twitter.com/DqJqefJvnV

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

'We need peace', says NPF leader Kachui Timothy Zimik after casting his vote

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: "Right now in Manipur, there is an issue of two communities fighting. Other problem we have is development issue. As far as this conflict in Manipur is concerned, we need peace," says NPF leader Kachui Timothy Zimik after casting his vote in… pic.twitter.com/VHXjnTwJsG

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Confident that the people of Alleppey will stand with me, says KC Venugopal

#WATCH | Congress candidate from Kerala's Alappuzha constituency, KC Venugopal says, "I am confident that the people of Alleppey will stand with me. After phase one of the Lok Sabha elections, the PM is panicking. I thank the PM for bringing the Congress manifesto into the public… pic.twitter.com/x3dO0mISUf

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts his vote

#LokSabhaElections2024 | Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts his vote at polling station number 161 in Kannur pic.twitter.com/XdQLAdzLCt

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

'Change happening in Jalore; 100% confident,' says Congress's Vaibhav Gehlot

I appeal to the people to bless the people, says Vaibhav Gehlot, Congress candidate.

Gehlot also added that there was a good atmosphere in Rajasthan.

There is enthusiasm that is in the people of Jalore for Congress. I am 100% confident that people are bringing a change in Jalore this time, Gehlot said.

EVM 'malfunctions' at booth in Hapur

EVM "malfunctioning" reported from polling booth number 144 in Pialkuha in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur.

Prahlad Singh Patel casts his vote in Narsinghpur

#WATCH | Narsinghpur: Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Prahlad Singh Patel cast his vote in the Lok Sabha polls. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/zdMex7EQU2

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

BJP state president CP Joshi casts his vote

#WATCH | Rajasthan BJP state president CP Joshi cast his vote in the Lok Sabha polls. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/FrWTF44KN5

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

People queue up outside a polling booth in Wayanad

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

A groom arrives at his designated polling station in Amravati to cast his vote

#WATCH | A groom arrives at his designated polling station in the Vadarpura area of Amravati to cast his vote in the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra

8 parliamentary constituencies are voting in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state pic.twitter.com/DSoSznF1Uj

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at BES polling booth in Bengaluru to cast her vote

#WATCH | Karnataka: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with her father, arrives at BES polling booth in Bengaluru to cast her vote in the Lok Sabha elections.

Karnataka is voting on 14 seats today in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/WE4o0mM1jE

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

'The country wants development, this is why BJP will form the government again,' BJP leader Vasundhara Raje

#WATCH | Jhalawar, Rajasthan: BJP leader Vasundhara Raje says, "The country wants development, this is why BJP will form the government again and PM Narendra Modi will win a third term. Jhalawar MP Dushyant Singh has been receiving good support... I believe he will create history… pic.twitter.com/y3DUeg8hJm

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

One vote of yours will fulfil the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', says MP BJP chief VD Sharma

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: "One vote of yours will fulfil the vision of 'Viksit Bharat'; I appeal to the people to vote in large numbers. We are definitely going to win all 29 Lok Sabha seats from the state," says Madhya Pradesh BJP chief and candidate from Khajuraho, VD… pic.twitter.com/O5dkDHxJ1U

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

I especially request the youths, people to come out in large numbers and exercise their votes, says Rahul Dravid

All the preparations are good. All of you come in large numbers and vote. It's a good opportunity for everyone to participate in the festival of democracy. All the security arrangements are in place. Let's make sure that we come out in huge numbers and vote, let's set a record this time for voting in Bengaluru. I especially request the youths and people to come out in large numbers and exercise their votes, said Rahul Dravid, Cricket Coach, Team India.

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 26, 2024

Polling begins in 6 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh

Polling began Friday morning in six Lok Sabha constituencies in Madhya Pradesh in the second phase of general elections, an official said.

Voting started at 7 am in Tikamgarh (SC), Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa and Hoshangabad, and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

A total of 12,828 polling booths, including 1,136 run by women, have been set up for 1,1162,460 voters of whom 58,32,333 are men, 53,29,972 women and 155 transgenders, the official said.

The maximum number of candidates - 19 - are in the fray in Satna, while the lowest are in Tikamgarh where seven are contesting.

There are 2,865 sensitive polling booths in the six constituencies that are spread over 47 assembly segments in the state.

Polling begins in 8 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra

Polling began Friday morning in eight Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra in the second phase of the general elections, an official said.

Voting started at 7 am in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim seats in the west Vidarbha region and Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani constituencies in Marathwada, and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

As many as 1.49 crore voters, including 77,21,374 men, 72,04,106 women, and 432 persons from the third-gender category, are eligible to cast their ballot across 16,589 polling centres to seal the fate of 204 candidates in the fray in the eight seats.

Polling begins in 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala

Polling in all the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala for the 2024 general election commenced at 7am on Friday.

People started arriving early in the morning at the over 25,000 polling booths in the state to avoid the hot weather that was likely as the day progressed.

Polling was carried out amidst tight security arrangements which included deployment of over 66,000 security personnel and live monitoring of the election process by an extensive webcasting system.

Voting began after a mock poll was carried out by casting votes in favour of all candidates, inlcuding NOTA, whose names are there on an EVM.

Polling begins in 8 Uttar Pradesh constituencies in 2nd phase of LS election

Polling in eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh began at 7 am on Friday in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election.

Among the 91 candidates in the fray in this phase are actor-turned-politicians Hema Malini, seeking a third term from Mathura on a BJP ticket, and Arun Govil, who portrayed the role of Lord Ram in the famed television serial "Ramayan".

According to Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa, the polling will continue till 6 pm.

Voting is taking place in the Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Mathura constituencies.

Polling begins for 13 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan

Polling for 13 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats and one Assembly constituency in Rajasthan began on Friday morning.

Voting began at 7 am in Barmer-Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jalore, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Kota-Bundi, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran, along with the Bagidora Assembly constituency where a bypoll is being held.

It will continue till 6 pm.

Around 2.8 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. This is the final phase of polling in Rajasthan. Voting for 12 seats in the desert state was held in the first phase on April 19.

Voting underway in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka

Voting was underway on Friday in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in 14 constituencies in Karnataka.

Polling began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm.

A total of 247 candidates — 226 men and 21 women — are in the fray for the first phase covering most of the southern and coastal districts, where more than 2.88 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 30,602 polling stations.

The Congress and BJP are locking horns on the electoral battleground again in less than a year.

Assam: Polling for 5 LS seats begins, 61 candidates in fray

Voting for five Lok Sabha seats in Assam to decide the fate of 61 candidates began, amid tight security on Friday morning.

Polling commenced at 7 am in Karimganj, Silchar, Diphu, Nagaon and Darrang-Udalguri constituencies.

Altogether 77,26,668 electors, including 38,61,559 women and 179 third gender, are likely to exercise their franchise in 9,133 polling stations in the second phase.

Voting begins for five LS seats in Bihar

Voting for the five Lok Sabha seats in Bihar to decide the fate of 50 candidates began, amid tight security on Friday morning.

Polling started at 7 am in Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur and Banka and will continue till 6 pm, a senior official said.

Over 93 lakh voters, including 45.15 lakh women and 306 belonging to the third gender, will decide the fate of 50 nominees, including three women, in these five seats.

Young voters form more than one-third of the electorate, with 13.77 lakh in the age group of 18-19 years and another 20.86 lakh aged between 20 and 29 years.

Polling begins for 3 Lok Sabha seats in northern West Bengal

Polling began at 7 am on Friday for the three constituencies in northern West Bengal in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, officials said.

The polling, being held in Darjeeling, Balurghat and Raiganj constituencies, would continue till 6 pm, they said.

A total of 47 candidates, including state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, are in the fray for the three seats, with 51.17 lakh people eligible to decide their fate.

Altogether 5,298 polling stations have been set up across the three constituencies.

There are 1,999 polling stations in Darjeeling, 1,730 in Raiganj and 1,569 in Balurghat, officials said.

Voting for Tripura East LS constituency begins

Voting for the Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency began at 7 am on Friday, a poll official said.

Nearly 14 lakh voters, including 6.94 lakh women and 13 transgenders, will decide the fate of nine candidates, additional chief electoral officer S. Bandopadhyay said.

The constituency has 38,245 voters in the age group of 18-19 years, 4,678 service voters, and 8,942 voters above 85 years old.

The key contest will be between BJP's Kriti Devi Debbarman and INDIA bloc nominee Rajendra Reang, a former CPI(M) MLA.

The constituency has 1,664 polling stations in 30 assembly segments.

Polling begins for Outer Manipur seat amid tight security

Polling for the remaining part of the Outer Manipur parliamentary seat commenced on Friday morning, amid stringent security measures, an official said.

Voting is underway in  857 polling stations, spanning 13 assembly segments in eight districts, Chief Electoral Officer PK Jha said.

During the first phase of elections, parts of the Outer Manipur seat, covering 15 assembly segments, and 32 assembly segments of the Inner Manipur, went to polls on April 19.

Polling begins for three Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh

Polling began Friday morning in Naxal-affected Kanker, Rajnandgaon and Mahasamund Lok Sabha constituencies in Chhattisgarh in the second phase of general elections.The polling comes days after 29 Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Kanker district on April 16.

Altogether 41 candidates, including former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and former state home minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, are in the fray in a direct fight between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress.

Of the eight assembly segments in Kanker Lok Sabha constituency, polling began in Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Keshkal and Kanker assembly segments at 7 am and will end at 3 pm, an election official said.

In four other assembly segments, Sihawa, Sanjari-Balod, Daundilohara and Gunderdehi, the polling began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm.

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy casts his vote in Bengaluru

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty casts her votes in Lok Sabha elections in Bengaluru

#WATCH | Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty casts her votes in Lok Sabha elections in Bengaluru

"I want to tell everyone- don't sit at home, come out and vote, choose your leader. I always feel that urban people vote less as compared to those in rural areas. I request… pic.twitter.com/bl7NGqx0Gu

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

NDA candidate from Thrissur Suresh Gopi casts his vote at a polling station in Thrissur

#WATCH | NDA candidate from Thrissur Suresh Gopi casts his vote at a polling station in Thrissur as Kerala votes on all 20 parliamentary constituencies in Lok Sabha polls today#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/DWL9m0QCpE

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Voters begin to queue outside polling stations

Kerala holds today's Lok Sabha elections, with voters casting ballots in all 20 parliamentary seats. Voters queue at a polling place in Thrissur.

In addition, electors gathered outside a polling place in West Bengal's Balurghat to cast ballots in the second round of the Lok Sabha elections, which starts at 7 a.m.

Three of West Bengal's forty-two parliamentary seats are up for election today.

Modi urges everyone to participate in record numbers 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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2024

94-year-old woman arrives to cast vote in Ukhrul Outer Manipur.

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Polling begins in 88 Constituencies across 13 States, UTs

#LokSabhaElections2024 | Polling begins in 88 Constituencies across 13 States/UTs in the second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/KpCzvp455u

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Chief Election Commissioner appeals to people to vote

#WATCH | #LokSabhaElections2024 | CEC Rajiv Kumar says, "...We have been preparing for the last 2 years. The arrangements are in place at all the booths...All arrangements have been made for the voters including drinking water, fans...The voters need to come out and… pic.twitter.com/8tE9yqTnZq

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

88 seats across 13 states and UTs go polls today

On April 26, twenty-eight parliamentary seats, dispersed among thirteen states and Union Territories (UTs), will cast ballots in the second round of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Voting will start at 7 a.m. and go through 5 p.m.

Mock polling underway at Vattiyoorkavu polling station in Thiruvananthapuram

#WATCH | Kerala: Mock polling underway at Vattiyoorkavu polling station in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the second phase of polling today.

For the 18th Lok Sabha elections, polling is scheduled in 88 Constituencies across 13 States/UTs.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/34gFTSCbov

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Polling booth decorated with balloons and pink banners

#WATCH | Karnataka: The polling booth in Kethaganahalli village, Ramnagar district decorated with balloons and pink banners ahead of the second phase of polling today. Booth number 236 comes under the Bangalore Rural Parliament constituency.

Karnataka is set to witness the 18th… pic.twitter.com/SrKvsiZ62k

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Preparations underway at polling booths in Bengaluru North constituency

#WATCH | Karnataka: Preparations underway at polling booth number 60,61,62,63 at Govt Primary School, Nagashetty Halli in Bengaluru North constituency ahead of the second phase of polling today.

Karnataka is set to witness the 18th Lok Sabha elections in two phases, i.e. on… pic.twitter.com/yjoYtdeaNH

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Preparations underway at polling booth number 23/99 in Darjeeling

#WATCH | West Bengal: Preparations underway at polling booth number 23/99 (Patlaybash Community Hall) in Darjeeling ahead of the second phase of polling today.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/73pD7ReT0t

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024

Security arrangements tightened, ahead of the second phase of polling

#WATCH | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Security arrangements tightened at Ghazipur border area, ahead of the second phase of polling today. pic.twitter.com/qp6xTET10l

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Who are the big names going to battle in Phase 2?

Polling for the second of the seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections is set to take place on Friday (26 April). As many as 88 constituencies from 13 states and Union Territories will cast their votes to decide the fate of over 1,200 candidates.

India is holding the world's largest elections. By the end of Friday, polling will conclude in all Lok Sabha seats of Kerala, Rajasthan, Manipur and Tripura. The voting is already over in all seats of Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim and Lakshadweep after the first phase on 19 April.

Read More

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: From Rahul Gandhi to Hema Malini, all about candidates, seats and more

India will enter its second phase of polling on April 26 (Friday). The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 recorded a 60 per cent voter turnout while the electoral process reportedly went on smoothly with some violence reported from West Bengal, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The second phase of the elections will span 13 states and Union Territories (UTs) and will cover 88 constituencies. The first phase covered 102 constituencies. The voting process will begin at 7 am and go on till 5 pm. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

Read More

India entered its second phase of polling on April 26. The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 recorded a 60% voter turnout while the electoral process reportedly went on smoothly with some violence reported from West Bengal, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The second phase of the elections will span 13 states and Union Territories and will cover 88 constituencies. The first phase covered 102 constituencies. The voting process began at 7 am and go on till 5 pm. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

The thrilling second phase election campaign concluded at 5 pm on Wednesday, with key leaders of the BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA alliance working tirelessly to lure people to their side. The Election Commission of India announced that 1206 candidates from 12 states and union territories, as well as four from the Outer Manipur Parliamentary seat, will run in the second round of the Lok Sabha elections.

According to the poll commission, 2633 nominations were registered for 89 parliamentary seats in 13 states and union territories that will vote in phase 2 of the Lok Sabha elections. The last date for filing nominations for phase 2 for all 12 States and UTs was April 4. After the scrutiny of 2633 nominations filed, 1428 nominations were found to be valid.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature for all 12 States and UTs was April 8.