Back
PremiumLok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Highlights: The 57 seats voting in the last and the seventh phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 saw about 58.34 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm, the Election Commission of India said on Saturday.
Voting is underway since 7 am to decide the fate of 904 candidates, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, across 57 seats in seven states and one Union Territory in the last and final phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
Himachal Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of about 48.6 per cent followed by Jharkhand with 46.8 per cent turnout till 1 pm. West Bengal saw about 45. per cent, Uttar Pradesh about 39.3 per cent and Bihar recorded a turnout of about 35.6 per cent till 1 pm. Chandigarh UT saw a turnout of about 40 per cent till 1 pm, according to Election Commission of India.
Sporadic incidents of violence marred the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, as TMC and BJP workers clashed in various parts of violence-prone Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour constituencies, according to news agency PTI
Earlier in the day, the PM called upon the voters to turnout in large numbers and vote. “I hope young and women voters exercise their franchise in record numbers. Together, let’s make our democracy more vibrant and participative," he said.
The states where voting is being held in the seventh phase today are Punjab (all 13 seats), Uttar Pradesh (13 seats), West Bengal (9 seats), Bihar (8 seats), Himachal Pradesh (all 4 seats), Jharkhand (3 seats), Odisha (six seats) and the lone seat of Chandigarh Union Territory.
The voting began at 7 am. Apart from PM Modi, the other candidates in the fray today include BJP leaders Kangana Ranaut, Ravi Kishan and Anurag Thakur, Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, RJD leader Misa Bharti, and TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, to name a few.
Elections are also being held for 42 assembly constituencies in Odisha along with Lok Sabha polls. The votes will be counted on June 4.
Over 10 crore electors, including 5.24 crore men, 4.82 crore women and 3,574 third-gender voters are eligible to vote in today's phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024.
About 10.9 lakh polling officials have been deployed on duty across 1.09 lakh polling stations, the Election Commission said.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, among the 57 seats that are voting in the seventh phase today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alone had won 25 seats. And the Congress could just eight of these seats.
The voter turnout in the sixth phase of polling held on May 25 was 63.37 per cent, which is slight dip from the 2019 turnout of 64.4 per cent. In the fifth phase held on May 20 was 62.15 per cent, which is higher than the polling in the same seats in 2019 when it was 61.82 per cent.
The fourth phase of polling held on May 13 recorded a turnout of 69.16 per cent while the third phase held on 7 recorded 65.68 per cent voter turnout. The second phase held on April 26 saw 66.71 per cent turnout and the first phase of polling held on April 19 saw 66.1 turnout, according to the Election Commission of India.
Today's polling will mark a finish to world’s largest polling marathon that began on April 19 and already covered 6 phases and 486 Lok Sabha seats. Counting of votes will take place on 4th June. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 held over 44 days between April 19 and June 1 is what has been the second-longest elections after the first general elections held in India in 1951-52.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), seeking a record third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set a target of winning 400 seats this election. The ruling alliance is challenged by the opposition parties led by the Congress under the banner of the INDIA bloc.
Uttar Pradesh chief electoral officer Navdeep Rinwa on Saturday said 33 poll personnel succumbed to heat related condition during the seventh phase polling in the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the seventh phase polling Rinwa said deaths of the poll personnel has been reported in the earlier phases too but the maximum- 33 deaths have been reported in the seventh phase of the poll personnel including homeguards, sanitation workers and other poll staff.
“We will get 60 per cent of the total votes for sure. No other party has the combination of our coalition, hard work, PM Modi’s guarantees and the candidate (Sanjay Tandon) here," Chandigarh BJP chief Jatinder Pal Malhotra told PTI
“Regarding Odisha in 2014 and 2018, such exit polls were proven wrong. In 2024, such exit polls will again be proven wrong. In Odisha, the BJD will do very well in the 2024 elections. In 21 Lok Sabha seats, we are at least winning 12 seats. So that's the starting point. We have done many surveys and the feedback is really positive for the BJD," BJD leader Sasmit Patra told PTI.
"Regarding the 147-member Assembly (elections), the BJD is forming the government for the sixth consecutive time under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik with at least three-fourth majority," he added.
"During the (INDIA bloc) meeting, we analysed on how many seats we are going to win. As per the analysis, we are going to win around 295 seats. We have presented the public's exit polls in front of everyone," says Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani told PTI.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: Reacting to the exit polls, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, "...We have been travelling throughout the country campaigning and have a sense of what is the reality on the ground. Exit polls are deeply unscientific. Last year, the majority of exit polls got the results wrong in Chhattisgarh & Rajasthan. What we are interested in is the real poll- the votes of the public...BJP will lose significantly in Karnataka and they certainly won't gain in Kerala and Tamil Nadu."
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: Rejecting the exit poll predictions about the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, the TMC said it believed in people's mandate.
"Most of the exit polls had predicted a victory for the BJP in the 2021 assembly elections. But we all know what the actual results were -- TMC won a two-thirds majority. We believe in people's polls, not opinion polls or exit polls. The TMC will win more than 30 Lok Sabha seats in the state," PTI quoted party leader Santanu Sen as saying.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: Reacting to the Lok Sabha exit polls, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai said, "For a state like Tamil Nadu, this is just a beginning, this is the step in the first direction. A state where you said BJP can't enter, a state till yesterday AIADMK and DMK were saying we are NOTA party...today we have proven that our vote share is above 20%. On June 4, we will prove that we are going to open our seats and we are going to send MPs from Tamil Nadu on behalf of NDA and BJP from different corners of the state...people of Tamil Nadu have said that they will stand with PM Modi..."
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: Firing at Patliputra Lok Sabha seat BJP candidate Ram Kripal Yadav convoy. Yadav escapes unhurt. One supporter injured
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha polls in eight constituencies of Bihar was largely peaceful on Saturday, with a provisional voter turnout of 50.56%, officials said.
Patliputra recorded a voter turnout of 56.91%, Buxar 53.70%, Karakat 53.44%, Jehanabad 51.20%, Sasaram 51%, Arrah 48.50%, Nalanda 46.50%, and Patna Sahib 45% until 6 p.m.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: Reacting to the exit poll, Karnataka Congress leader Priyank Kharge said, "Let us wait for Janta ka poll. We are supremely confident. We have spoken about progressive politics, employment, foreign policy, and progressive ideas for the nation. I am sure people of India have voted for the INDIA bloc."
"Since we are majority partners in the INDIA alliance, our leader from the Congress party will be Rahul Gandhi. Whatever needs to be decided will be done along with all alliance partners," he added.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: Reacting to the exit poll, former Telangana Minister and BRS working president KTR said, "We will wait for the exact poll..."
" ...Now nobody can stop India...Uddhav (Thackeray) what will happen to you now? Now, who will go out of India, PM Modi or Thackeray? People of Maharashtra have once again expressed their trust in PM Modi...now Lok Sabha elections, after 4 months, Assembly elections and after 8 months, Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, PM Modi will have hattrick victory in Maharashtra," BJP leader Kirit Somaiya told ANI.
On Lok Sabha exit Polls, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X, "The man whose exit is certain on June 4th has had these exit polls orchestrated. The INDIA Janbandhan will definitely get a minimum of 295 seats, which is a clear and decisive majority. The outgoing Prime Minister can remain smug for three days in the meanwhile. These are all psychological games he is masterminding but the ACTUAL results will be very different"
"In Karnataka, people have given an overwhelming verdict in favour of the BJP. By doing so they have indicated that their voting pattern is very different when it comes to assembly elections and parliamentary elections. Congress' attempt to foisting a particular economic model which is a sure shot of ruining economic disaster for the country... People have very clearly expressed by voting for the BJP in such big numbers, that they do not subscribe to the Congress' view that Karnataka or Southern India should be a separate nation..." BJP candidate from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya told ANI.
“Maximum channels are backing the BJP. As said by our party president earlier today, we are definitely going to win more than 295 seats. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP has no vote bank. We are definitely going to win all 40 Lok Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry," Tamil Nadu Congress chief Selvaperunthagai K told PTI.
“The Lok Sabha elections of 2024 have successfully concluded. I would like to thank the Election Commission, armed forces, police and polling staff for their efforts and hard work. I would also thank the people of India for their active participation. I am confident that we are winning with a thumping majority and PM Modi is coming for the third time," Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina told PTI.
"I would like to commend the ECISVEEP for their exemplary efforts in ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process. Their dedication and meticulous planning have been crucial in upholding the integrity of our democracy, allowing citizens across the nation to vote with confidence and security. Our electoral process is something every believer in democratic values takes inspiration from," posts PM Modi.
"Me and my party have never given any importance to the exit polls. I have seen Tejashwi Yadav's campaign in Bihar and it has created an uproar in the state. I feel the final results would be completely different and we will win at least 25 seats in Bihar," RJD leader Manoj Jha told PTI.
On Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Exit Polls, BRS leader Karthik Reddy Patlolla told ANI that it is disappointing that for the third time, the people of this country do not have an option than PM Modi. "I do not say this is a victory for PM Modi but it is a defeat for the Opposition... This is a failure of Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA Alliance... We have put up a very good fight in Telangana..."
PM Modi lauded BJP workers and said they “meticulously" explained the party's “development agenda".
“I would like to applaud each and every NDA Karyakarta. Across the length and breadth of India, often braving intense heat. I compliment them for meticulously explaining our development agenda to the people and motivating them to come out and vote. Our Karyakartas are our greatest strength," he wrote in a post on X.
PM Modi said the INDIA bloc failed to strike a chord with the voters, and claimed that they are casteist, communal and corrupt.
“The opportunistic INDI Alliance failed to strike a chord with the voters. They are casteist, communal and corrupt. This alliance, aimed to protect a handful of dynasties, failed to present a futuristic vision for the nation. Through the campaign, they only enhanced their expertise on one thing- Modi bashing. Such regressive politics has been rejected by the people," he said in a post on X.
“India has voted! A heartfelt thank you to all those who exercised their franchise. Their active participation is the cornerstone of our democracy. Their commitment and dedication ensures that the democratic spirit thrives in our nation. I would also like to specially appreciate India’s Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti. Their strong presence at the polls is a very encouraging sign," PM Modi said in a post on X.
He added: "I can say with confidence that the people of India have voted in record numbers to reelect the NDA government. They have seen our track record and the manner in which our work has brought about a qualitative change in the lives of the poor, marginalised and downtrodden.
At the same time, they have seen how the reforms in India have propelled India to being the fifth largest global economy. Every scheme of ours has reached the intended beneficiaries without any bias or leakage."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded his 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial here and paid floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar.
On conclusion of his dhyana session, Modi, clad in white, visited the 133-ft statue of Thiruvalluvar, located next to the rock memorial and placed a huge garland there marking his tribute. He arrived at the statue complex by a ferry service and later reached the shore using the service.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: "The BJP, along with the NDA, will cross the 400-seat mark. The BJP alone will win 370 seats. The trust for PM Modi in the nation is unparallel," says former Madhya Pradesh CM and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan told PTI on exit polls.
On exit polls, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, speaking with ANI, said, "These are Narendra Modi's exit polls. The exit poll from the public gives 295 seats to INDIA, and this number will only increase."
Union Minister and BJP candidate from Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, Dharmendra Pradhan told ANI that the saffron party is confident of forming the state government in Odisha for the very first time,
"Today was the last day of elections in the country....We are confident that under the leadership of PM Modi a strong government will be formed....BJP will form the government in Odisha for the first time," he said.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: As the 7-phase election ends today, various media houses have started the exit polls and will look to predict the Lok Sabha election
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: The fate of candidates who fought the Lok Sabha election 2024 was sealed on Saturday as the voting for all seven phases concluded. The counting and results of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be declared on 4 June.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: "INDIA Alliance is getting 295+ seats and the BJP will win around 220 seats and the NDA alliance will 235 seats. INDIA alliance will form a strong and stable government on its own. (The PM face) will be decided on June 4...," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: The Election Commission of India (ECI) released the fresh numbers on the voter turnout data and informed that 58.34% voter turnout was recorded till 5:00 PM. West Bengal took back the lead with almost 70% voter turnout, while Bihar continues to be at the lowest with 48% voting turnout till 5:00 PM
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: "The decision is that we must be very alert during the counting process. We must alert our counting agents how they must be vigilant... On this issue, we are likely to meet the election commission. Once the election commission gives the time tomorrow, our leaders will meet the EC... The election results are coming out, it is going to be one-sided... We will win 295+ seats..." CPI General Secretary D Raja said.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: "Congress has accepted their defeat otherwise they wouldn't have ignored the exit polls...they just keep raising questions about EVM, exit polls, this shows that they have lost. In history, BJP is coming back to power for the third time which means there is no anti-incumbency...if you can't accept victory and defeat equally, then you need introspection..." BJP leader Shaina NC said.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: Over 400 people in a village in Dumka district boycotted voting in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on Saturday to protest against the construction of a coal dumping yard, an official said. A total of 426 voters did not exercise their franchise at booth number 94 in Bagdubhi village, a part of the Dumka Lok Sabha constituency, he said.
“Out of 430 voters enrolled in the booth, only four electors have exercised their franchise till 3 pm," Dumka Circle Officer Amar Kumar told PTI.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: "The INDIA coalition will form the government after results are out on June 4. The NDA will be voted out", former Bihar Deputy CM said.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: “INDIA parties met and decided to expose the bjp and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls. After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television this evening," Congress leader Pawan Khera said in a post on X.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live:
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live:
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live: “We have 17 parliament constituencies...We also have one bye-election...We have put counting centres in 34 locations...Inside the counting hall, there will be 100% CCTV coverage...The counting agents and candidates will also be there...We are hoping that everything will go peacefully," Telangana CEO Vikas Raj said.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 Voting Live:
