Lok Sabha polls 2024 phase 2: Fresh clash between BJP-TMC erupts in Bengal amid voting across 88 seats

Kolkata: The second phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in 88 Parliamentary Constituencies across 13 States and Union Territories is ongoing. With the weather department predicting normal weather conditions, voters can participate in the electoral process comfortably. Multiple arrangements have been made at all 1.67 lakh polling stations to ensure voter convenience, particularly in addressing hot weather concerns.

The second phase also includes Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, from where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is contesting for the second consecutive time. A dedicated force of over 16 lakh polling officials stands ready to facilitate the participation of over 15.88 crore voters in Phase 2. Voters include 8.08 crore males, 7.8 crore females and 5,929 third-gender electors.

It’s noteworthy, 34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their ballots, alongside a significant contingent of 3.28 crore young voters aged 20-29. A total of 1,202 candidates, including 1,098 males, 102 females, and 2 third-gender candidates are in the fray.

The Election Commission said that more than 16 lakh polling officers have been deployed at 1.67 lakh polling stations in this phase. He said that there are more than 15.88 crore voters in this phase, of which 8.08 crore are men, 7.8 crore are women and 5929 are of the third gender.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases. Polling for 102 seats in Phase 1 was completed on April 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4. The States and Union Territories where the elections will be held in the second phase are Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Lok Sabha polls 2024 Live News: Fresh Clash Between BJP-TMC Breaks Out In Bengal

There has been a clash between two groups in Balurghat, West Bengal. BJP chief and Lok Sabha candidate from Balurghat, Sukanta Majumdar alleges that a large number of TMC workers are present at a polling booth. Slogans of “Go back” pointed at Majumdar also heard. TMC workers demonstrated in front of the polling booth. He accused Majumdar of disturbing the peace.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live Voting Updates: Om Birla Casts His Vote In Kota
Rajasthan Lok Sabha Election 2024: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla casts his vote in a school in the Shakti Nagar area. Birla is contesting against Congress’s Prahlad Gunjal. Rajasthan is voting on 13 seats today in the second phase.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live Voting Updates: Voter Turnout Till 11 AM For Phase 2

Assam – 27.43%

Bihar – 21.68%

Chhattisgarh – 35.47%

Karnataka – 22.34%

Kerala – 25.61%

Madhya Pradesh – 28.15%

Maharashtra – 18.83%

Rajasthan – 26.84%

Uttar Pradesh – 11.67%

Jammu and Kashmir – 26.61%

Manipur- 33.22%

Tripura – 36.42%

Uttar Pradesh – 24.31%

West Bengal – 31.25%