The second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections witnessed a brisk voter turnout across 88 constituencies spanning 13 states on April 26th. 

Millions of Indians enthusiastically exercised their democratic right, reflecting the country’s vibrant electoral process.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), over 63% of eligible voters had cast their ballots by the end of the day. 

While this figure may rise further as final reports are compiled, it already surpasses the overall 67% turnout recorded in the 2019 general elections.

The states that went to polls in this phase included Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir. 

A total of 1,202 candidates, comprising 1,098 males, 102 females, and two transgenders, were vying for seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament.

Several prominent figures, including Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, opposition leaders, and celebrities, were among the early voters across various states. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former cricketer Rahul Dravid, and actor Prakash Raj were spotted at polling booths in Bengaluru, while Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, and Ambika Soni exercised their franchise in their respective constituencies.

The Election Commission reported that the polling process remained largely peaceful, barring a few incidents of EVM glitches and allegations of bogus voting in some states. 

Authorities swiftly addressed these complaints to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.

In a historic moment, the newly settled Bru voters of Tripura exercised their franchise for the first time in a General Election. 

Date-Wise Updates and Highlights:

April 26th:

• Over 63% of eligible voters had cast their ballots by the end of the day, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). This figure surpassed the overall 67% turnout recorded in the 2019 general elections.
• The states that went to polls included Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir.
• A total of 1,202 candidates, comprising 1,098 males, 102 females, and two transgenders, contested for Lok Sabha seats.
• Prominent figures like Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, opposition leaders, and celebrities were among the early voters across various states.
• The Election Commission reported the polling process remained largely peaceful, barring a few incidents of EVM glitches and allegations of bogus voting in some states, which were swiftly addressed.
• In a historic moment, the newly settled Bru voters of Tripura exercised their franchise for the first time in a General Election.
• Tripura led the voter turnout charts with an impressive 77.53% by 6 PM, while Maharashtra recorded the lowest at 53.71%.

April 25th:

• A high-voltage campaign preceded the second phase, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leaders crisscrossing the poll-bound states.
• PM Modi’s controversial remarks on the Congress party’s plans for “wealth redistribution” sparked a war of words between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA alliance.
• The Election Commission issued notices to BJP chief J.P. Nadda and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over complaints of poll code violations during campaign speeches.

April 24th:

The campaign for the second phase ended on a sour note, with both the NDA and the INDIA bloc trading charges over various issues, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.

Pre-Poll Preparations:

• The ECI deployed over 15,000 polling staff and ensured foolproof security arrangements across all constituencies to ensure free and fair elections.
• Special arrangements like tents and drinking water facilities were made at polling stations to combat the intense heat wave prevailing in several states.
• Political parties and independent observers lauded the ECI’s efforts in ensuring transparency and adhering to democratic principles.

The Bru migrants, who had been living in relief camps until 2020, received permanent settlements across the state and enthusiastically participated in the democratic process.

While most states witnessed a robust turnout, a few regions reported relatively lower voter participation. Maharashtra recorded the lowest turnout at 53.71% until 6 PM, while Tripura led the charts with an impressive 77.53% turnout by the same time.

As the nation awaits the final turnout figures, the high voter participation in Phase 2 has been hailed as a testament to India’s vibrant democracy and the people’s unwavering commitment to shaping the country’s future through the ballot.

With two more phases remaining, all eyes are now on the subsequent rounds of polling, scheduled for May 7th and May 19th. The outcome of these elections will determine the composition of the 18th Lok Sabha and the next government at the center.

Amidst the excitement and anticipation, political parties and independent observers have lauded the conduct of the elections so far, highlighting the resilience of India’s democratic institutions and the unwavering spirit of its citizens.

The Information is Collected from The Hindu and Hindustan Times