Voters from Raima Valley, a remote area of Dhalai Assembly segment in Tripura came to polling stations through boats to cast their vote.
New Delhi: Polling in the second phase of General Elections 2024 which commenced at 7 am simultaneously across 88 Parliamentary Constituencies recorded an approximate voter turnout of 60.96% as of 7 PM. The Election Commission of India claimed peaceful polling across 13 States/Union Territories today.
From newlyweds to senior citizens, tribals to IT professionals, PwDs, women and youngsters, all were seen in queues waiting to cast their votes. With the conclusion of phase 2, voting has been completed in 14 States/UTs for General Elections 2024.
Polling time was extended till 6 pm in many polling stations in Banka, Madhepura, Khagaria and Munger constituencies in Bihar to facilitate voters in hot weather conditions. According to the ECI, special arrangements were made to combat the heat including the provision of shamiana, drinking water, medical kits, and fans for the convenience of voters.
In phase 2, voters from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker Parliamentary Constituencies in Chhattisgarh cast their vote in a polling booth set up in their own village for the first time in a Lok Sabha Election. Thus, including phase 1, overall, 102 new polling stations were set for the first time in these PCs for the convenience of villagers.
The Commission stated it had made special efforts to facilitate voting amongst the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTGs), elderly, young and first-time voters, women, and transgenders.
The Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu “constantly” monitored the polling process since morning. Stringent security measures were implemented to maintain law and order, and webcasting was done in over 1 lakh polling stations.
Polling officials and voters alike came in their traditional attire to celebrate the “Chunav ka Parv”. In the Varuna constituency in Karnataka, polling staff dressed in traditional attire welcomed the voters.
In Sikar, Rajasthan, women voters came in their traditional attire braving the heat.
Former cricketing superstars Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble were seen voting at different polling stations in Bengaluru.
Striking a pose with their inked fingers, they carried the message of the importance of participation in the electoral process to the youth.
– global bihari bureau
