Lok Sabha polls: Himachal Pradesh Leads with 14.35% Turnout, Odisha Lags at 7.69% till 9 am

In the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Himachal Pradesh leads with a voter turnout of 14.35 percent, according to Election Commission data. Odisha, however, lags behind with only 7.69 percent turnout as of 9 am. Other states show varying participation rates: Bihar at 10.58 percent, Chandigarh at 11.64 percent, Jharkhand at 12.15 percent, Punjab at 9.64 percent, Uttar Pradesh at 12.94 percent, and West Bengal at 12.63 percent. Overall, the turnout across these regions stands at 11.31 percent by 9 am.

The seventh and final phase commenced at 7 am, encompassing voting across 57 parliamentary constituencies in seven states and Chandigarh. The Election Commission anticipates participation from over 10.06 crore electors, with approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female, and 3574 third gender electors. All 13 parliamentary constituencies in Punjab are active in this phase, while six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh are also subject to by-polls on June 1, crucial for the state’s Congress government. Notably, all six of these seats were previously held by Congress, and the outcome could influence the political landscape.

Simultaneously, polling is ongoing for the remaining 42 Assembly Constituencies in the Odisha State Legislative Assembly. Following the close of voting on June 1, exit poll results will be broadcast on various TV channels. The Election Commission has imposed a ban on exit polls from April 19 to June 1, coinciding with the polling period.

The culmination of high-voltage campaigning occurred on Thursday for this final phase of Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Modi extensively campaigned, hosting over 200 events, including rallies and roadshows, within a span of 75 days, alongside multiple interviews. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conducted more than 100 rallies and engaged in public interaction programs during the campaign.

The earlier six phases of Lok Sabha elections were conducted on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, and May 25. Additionally, assembly polls were held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Odisha witnessed simultaneous polls for both Lok Sabha and assembly in the last four phases.