The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, covering 49 parliamentary constituencies, witnessed a total voter turnout of 36.73 percent by 1 pm, according to data released by the Election Commission.
The Election Commission reported that Ladakh had the highest voter turnout at 52.02 %, followed by West Bengal (48.41 %), Jharkhand (41.89 %), Uttar Pradesh (39.55 %), Odisha (35.31 %), Jammu and Kashmir (34.79 %), Bihar (34.62 %), and Maharashtra (27.78 %).
Mumbai’s voter turnout remained low, failing to exceed 30 percent by 1 pm. The turnout figures for Mumbai’s various districts were as follows: Mumbai North (26.78 %), Mumbai North Central (28.05 %), Mumbai North East (28.82 %), Mumbai North West (28.41 %), and Mumbai South (28.41 %). Mumbai South Central witnessed a turnout of 27.21 %.
The Election Commission disclosed that over 8.95 crore voters, comprising 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, are participating in the fifth phase, determining the fate of 695 candidates. This phase features significant electoral battles across several constituencies.
Prominent leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP’s Ramvilas Paswan, JKNC’s Omar Abdullah, and RJD’s Rohini Acharya are vying for electoral success. The eight states/UTs partaking in phase 5 include Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Urban centres like Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow are participating in this phase, historically grappling with low voter turnout. Of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 from Bihar, 3 from Jharkhand, 5 from Odisha, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
To ensure a peaceful environment for voters, a network of 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are maintaining vigilance across the 94,732 polling stations.
Additionally, 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts are diligently monitoring any illegal trafficking of liquor, drugs, cash, and inducements. Stringent surveillance measures are also in place on sea and air routes.
