Gujarat Election 2024 Highlights: 55.2% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm

The live blog session has concluded. For more news, views and updates, stay tuned with Moneycontrol.com.

A voter turnout of 55.22 percent was recorded till 5 pm in 25 Lok Sabha seats of Gujarat in the third phase of the elections on Tuesday, an Election Commission (EC) official said.

Altogether 265 candidates, including Union Home Minister Shah from Gandhinagar, and his cabinet colleagues Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala from Porbandar and Rajkot, respectively, are in the fray.

Of the total 26 constituencies, polling was underway in 25 seats barring Surat, which the BJP had won uncontested after eight out of nine candidates withdrew from the race and the nomination of the Congress candidate was rejected.

"An average 55.22 percent voter turnout was recorded between 7 am and 5 pm in Gujarat," the official said.

A 45-year-old woman polling officer deployed at a polling booth in Gujarat's Amreli district died after she complained of uneasiness while on duty on Tuesday, an official said. Kaushika Babariya, a teacher at a government school, was deployed at a school in Jafrabad town, said Ajay Dahiya, Amreli collector and district election officer.

Doctors concluded that the probable cause of death was a heart attack, he said.

"The officer was on duty at a polling booth in Jafrabad city. She complained of uneasiness in the afternoon and was immediately rushed to a community health centre. She was later referred to a private hospital for treatment," Dahiya said.

As per the data shared by the EC, the Valsad (ST) constituency in south Gujarat recorded the highest turnout of 58.05 per cent, while the Porbandar seat in the Saurashtra region saw the lowest turnout of 37.96 per cent between 7 am and 3 pm. Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya is in the poll ring from Porbandar.

As many as 265 candidates are in the fray from 25 out of 26 constituencies in the western state. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had scored its first victory in Lok Sabha elections from Surat without contest after eight out of nine candidates withdrew from the fray and the nomination form of the Congress candidate was rejected.

Gujarat witnessed a voter turnout of 47.03 per cent till 3 pm on Tuesday, according to the latest ECI data. West Bengal witnessed the highest turnout at 63.11% while Maharashtra saw the lowest at 42.63 per cent.

Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil called voting a sacred festival of the election process. "In a democracy, the people know and decide. A voter must use this to decide who will be his voice for the next five years," Gohil said.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and spiritual leader Morari Bapu were among prominent personalities who cast their votes in Gujarat in the third phase of the Lok Sabha election on Tuesday and urged the people to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

Candidates of the BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and leaders from social and corporate sectors, including Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, spiritual guru Morari Bapu, Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil, among others, exercised their franchise during the day.

According to Gujarat Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3 Live Updates, the Chairman of Nirma Limited expressed, "I have cast vote. People should be thanked for voting during summer. It is everyone's duty to vote during the festival of democracy. We hope for India's progress."

According to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) voter turnout app, the voter turnout in Gujarat for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3 has reached 37.83% as of 1 PM.

Ankit Soni, a determined voter, showcased resilience by casting his vote through his feet at a polling booth in Nadiad, Gujarat. Despite losing both his hands due to an electric shock 20 years ago, Soni pursued his education, including graduation and CS, with the blessings of his teachers and guru. He appeals to people to come out and vote, emphasizing the importance of participation in the democratic process.

Maharashtra witnessed a low voter turnout of 18.18 percent in the third phase of polling till 11 am, marking the lowest turnout among all the states voting on Tuesday. This data was released by the Election Commission.

According to data shared by the Election Commission (EC), the Banaskantha constituency in north Gujarat recorded the highest turnout of 30.27 per cent, while the Porbandar seat in the Saurashtra region saw the lowest turnout of 19.83 per cent between 7 am and 11 am.

As of 11 AM, the voter turnout stands at 24.35%. Notable personalities such as Ravindra Jadeja and Gautam Adani have cast their votes.

Amid vibrant dhol beats, members of the transgender community exercised their franchise in Vadodara.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, cast his vote at a polling station in his native village Ishwariya in Gujarat’s Amreli. Rupala, a voter in Ishwariya, is contesting the Lok Sabha election from the Rajkot Constituency.

After voting, Rupala expressed confidence in the BJP forming a government at the Centre with a significant majority, despite not believing in predictions.

Congress leader Mumtaz Patel exercised her voting rights at a polling booth in Bharuch. The electoral contest in Bharuch includes BJP's sitting MP Mansukhbhai Vasava facing off against Aam Aadmi Party's Chaitar Vasava.

Gautam Adani reaches the polling booth in Ahmedabad to cast his vote.

"I have voted in the 'mahaparv' of democracy for development, for a 'viksit Bharat' and make Modi the prime minister for the third time. There is an excitement in entire Gujarat, and on its basis, I can say that the BJP will win over 370 seats and the NDA 400 plus seats," says Mansukh Mandaviya after casting his vote.

Delhi LG VK Saxena expressed, "I am glad that I have come here from Delhi to cast my vote. There is an atmosphere of festivity in parts of the country. We should remember that voting is our right and we must exercise it. I appeal to the people of the country to come out and cast their votes and choose a stable government..."

The father and sister of Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja exercised their voting rights at a polling booth in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged voters to step out and vote for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the importance of electing a government with a track record of public welfare and a vision for a developed India. He called on voters to view voting as a duty towards nation-building and to support a system free from corruption, casteism, and dynasticism. Shah's message underscores the need for a government committed to serving the nation's interests above all else.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel cast his vote for the Lok Sabha elections at a polling booth in Ahmedabad on Tuesday and appealed to the people to exercise their franchise to make the country developed and prosperous. Standing in a queue at the polling booth in Shilaj area to cast his vote, the CM said, “I have cast my vote. I would like to request every citizen to exercise his/her franchise to make India great, prosperous and developed.”

The voter turnout of 66.14% and 66.71% respectively in the first two phases has been marginally lower than corresponding phases five years back.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized, "Today marks the voting for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. I would like to make a heartfelt appeal to all the voters across the country, and particularly to the voters of Gujarat, to come forward and participate in this festival of democracy. Let us elect a stable government that ensures a safe and prosperous country. Let us choose a government that is committed to fighting corruption, eradicating poverty, building a self-reliant India, fostering development, and striving to make India the number one country in every field worldwide."

Gujarat After casting his vote in Gujarat, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi expressed, "I am fortunate enough to get the opportunity to cast my vote along with my family. I want to request everyone to come out and cast their votes and form a development-oriented government once again. PM Modi has served the people of the country without taking a single leave for the last several years. The people of the country are willing to see Narendra Modi become the Prime Minister of the country for the third time."

After taking a day's rest following campaign fatigue, Sharad Pawar cast his vote at the Malegaon polling booth in Baramati. Accompanied by his daughter Supriya Sule and granddaughter Revati Sule, Pawar changed his voting location to Baramati after voting in Mumbai for the past ten years.

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah, contesting from the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, interacted with residents at a residential society in Ahmedabad. The Congress has nominated its party secretary Sonal Patel as their candidate from Gandhinagar.

Union Health Minister and BJP candidate from Porbandar, Mansukh Mandaviya, exercised his franchise at Hanol Primary School, Booth number 12, in Porbandar. The Congress has nominated Lalit Vasoya from this seat.

Today, 37 constituencies across Maharashtra and Gujarat will cast their votes, determining the fate of several key candidates including Amit Shah, Supriya Sule, and Prahlad Joshi.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi exercised his voting rights at a polling booth in the Navsari Lok Sabha constituency, Gujarat, during the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel emphasized the importance of voting, stating, "It is everyone's responsibility to cast their vote. The voters should use their right to vote and give their contribution to making India a 'Vishwaguru'..."

"Today is the third phase of voting. There is great importance of 'Daan' in our country and in the same spirit, the countrymen should vote as much as possible. 4 rounds of voting are still ahead. As a voter in Gujarat, this is the only place where I vote regularly and Amit Bhai is contesting from here as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate..." Prime Minister Modi stated after casting his vote.

Prime Minister Modi has reached the polling booth at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, to cast his vote.

PM Modi was spotted along with Amit Shah as they reach the booth to cast their votes.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was spotted at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

PM Narendra Modi called upon voters participating in today's phase to cast their votes in record numbers. He emphasized that their active involvement would undoubtedly enhance the vibrancy of the elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was spotted at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Voting commenced Tuesday morning for 25 out of 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, alongside bypolls in five state assembly constituencies. With polling booths numbering 50,788 opening at 7 am, voting will continue until 6 pm, according to officials. The BJP aims to replicate its previous electoral successes in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The voting turnout among male, female, and third gender voters has been a persistent issue, notably affecting the third gender community. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, only 25% of registered transgender voters participated in voting. Despite advancements in social acceptance and legal acknowledgment, the transgender community continues to face significantly low turnout rates during elections. This disparity raises concerns about their political representation and engagement, highlighting the need for further efforts to ensure inclusivity and participation in the democratic process.

In the intense arena of Lok Sabha elections, former mayors of Ahmedabad have faced significant hurdles, finding it difficult to win the trust and backing of voters despite their seasoned experience and leadership positions within the city.

Three ex-mayors who ran as Lok Sabha candidates faced defeats. However, there was one exception to this pattern: Bhavna Dave, a former female mayor of Ahmedabad, successfully transitioned from her mayoral role to become a Member of Parliament, securing the Surendranagar seat.

During three roadshows in his stronghold Gandhinagar, Home Minister Amit Shah, accompanied by PM Narendra Modi, pledged to bring the 2036 Olympics to India. He urged voters to ensure a clean sweep of 26 out of 26 seats in Gujarat for the BJP. In segments of his constituency including Sanand, Kalol, and Ahmedabad, enthusiastic crowds waved BJP flags and chanted "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" as Shah, their local MP, greeted them from an open-top vehicle.

With the Lok Sabha election in Gujarat approaching on May 7, candidates are exploring innovative ways to finance their campaigns as the political atmosphere heats up. While it's common for independent candidates and smaller parties to resort to crowdfunding, this time, major political contenders, who typically depend on significant donors and party funds, are also embracing the support of the public to bolster their financial resources.

The Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 3 voting live updates: The voting will commence at 7 AM and conclude at 6 PM. Today, voting will take place in Gujarat and Goa states and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Union territories. Additionally, all 14 seats in Karnataka and 11 seats in Chhattisgarh will also undergo voting today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to cast his vote at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad during the third phase of Lok Sabha polls. The school has been designated as a polling booth, with preparations for polling arrangements currently underway. Additionally, a 'Run for Vote' marathon took place in Ahmedabad to raise awareness among youth about the importance of voting in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. This marathon was organized as part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) drive, aiming to promote 100% voting.

According to poll officials, a total of 4.97 crore individuals, comprising 2.56 crore males, 2.41 crore females, and 1,534 from the third gender, are eligible to vote across 50,788 polling booths. These booths include 17,275 in urban areas and 33,513 in rural areas, as per EC data.

The Election Commission (EC) has deployed 50,960 ballot units (BU), 49,140 control units (CU), and 49,140 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines for the Lok Sabha polls and assembly by-polls in the state. Additionally, 25 percent of BUs and CUs, and 35 percent of VVPATs, have been kept on standby.

On May 7, Gujarat is witnessing elections in various constituencies, including Kachchh, Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Navsari, and Valsad.