Jharkhand recorded 67.59% voting till 5 pm, surpassing 67.04% voting in these assembly constituencies in 2019 Assembly Elections.
On the other hand, Maharashtra recorded 58.22 % polling as of 5 PM. However, urban voters in the state continued their dismal record of low participation in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Thane. Simultaneous polling for all 288 constituencies in Maharashtra in a single phase and 38 constituencies of Jharkhand in phase-2 concluded peacefully today.
Voting commenced at 7 AM today and was peaceful and orderly. In both states, voters were still in the queue when reports last came in. By-polls in 15 assembly constituencies and 1 Lok Sabha constituency in 15 states were also held today. With this, elections have concluded for Jharkhand and Maharashtra legislative assemblies and by-polls in 48 assembly constituencies and 2 LS constituencies of 15 states across the two phases.
CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu had been keeping a close watch on every aspect of the poll process including measures to enhance poll participation.
In Uttar Pradesh, taking cognisance of complaints regarding arbitrary checking and prevention of voters from voting in certain assembly constituencies, the Commission, after a thorough enquiry ordered the suspension of police personnel in Moradabad, Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar for violating the norms and guidelines regarding checking of voters. CEC Rajiv Kumar strictly directed all concerned DEOs/SPs and 13 central observers to ensure a free, fair and impartial election process without any bias against any community.
Polling in LWE affected areas
Polling progressed in an orderly manner in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas of both states including Garhchiroli in Maharashtra and Giridih in Jharkhand. Long queues of voters comprising people from different sections of society including first time voters, elderly voters, tribal voters, PwD voters, women voters some bearing children in their arms, voters identifying as third gender, entire families of voters and celebrity voters characterised the atmosphere at polling stations. Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) including toilets, ramps, shed, drinking water ensured that voters could vote comfortably without hindrance.
Celebrities spurred on voters
In Mumbai, celebrities spurred on voters to show up at the polling booths and fulfill their responsibilities. Cricketer and ECI National Icon Sachin Tendulkar voted along with his family and reiterated his call to others to come out and vote. Elderly voters were greeted with a certificate and sapling in certain polling stations in Mumbai. A total of 4136 candidates are contesting for the 288 assembly seats amidst an electorate of over 9.7 crores.
In Jharkhand, voters showed up in large numbers across the 38 assembly constituencies across 12 districts. The Commission had made concerted efforts to expand the participation amongst tribal voters. Accordingly, right from enrolment to polling booths, a conducive and welcoming atmosphere encouraged tribal voters to show up at the polling booths. 48 Unique Polling Stations had been set up for Phase-II which were adorned by themes reflecting tribal culture and elements.
As of 5 PM, a voter turnout of 58.22% was recorded at the polling stations in Maharashtra and 67.59% in Jharkhand. Polling is still going on in certain polling stations where voters were waiting in queue before the close of poll hours. The provisional voter turnout figures will continue to be updated AC wise on the Voter Turnout App by the ROs, as and when the polling parties formally close the poll and return from the polling stations based on the geographical/logistical conditions and after scrutiny of statutory papers and consideration of repolls, if any. The Commission for convenience of stakeholders, will also issue another press note with provisional voter turnout figures at ~2345 hours tonight.
Counting is scheduled on 23rd of November, 2024.
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