Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 5 Highlights: 57.47% voter turnout recorded till 7:45 pm, West Bengal leads with 73%

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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing a public rally in Kolkata said, "I want to ask Mamata Banerjee, what have you done to West Bengal? People like us used to come to Bengal to visit the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum and Swami Vivekanand's Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir. Now what will people come and watch, Sandeshkhali?... Today, 'Sandeshkali' is the most popular word in India's Google search... Today, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is not the identity of West Bengal... I request you to not give Sandeshkhali to Bengal..."

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday issued a show cause notice to former Union Minister Jayant Sinha for failing to participate in campaigning after Manish Jaiswal was declared the candidate for the Hazaribagh Lok Sabha seat, thereby "maligning" the party's image.
Sinha, son of former Union Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, is the sitting MP of Hazaribagh.

According to EC's official data, the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections saw a 57.47% voter turnout up till 7:45 pm. There are currently two more phases left, on May 25 and June 1. Even around 6 p.m., a sizable number of voters were still waiting in line at voting places.

Supporters of the BJP and BJD fought earlier today at a polling place in the Rourkela Assembly constituency.

Workers from the Congress and BJP got into a fight at Little Angel School, which is in the Sion neighbourhood of Mumbai, while voting was still going on. Congress officials accused BJP members of meddling in the election by approaching the polling place, citing the BJP workers' claims that they were providing voting papers to voters 100 metres away from the polling place. Workers from the Congress and BJP then confronted each other, with the BJP claiming that they even made threats to kill two persons.

Sion police filed a case under section 506(2) of the IPC against two unidentified persons in response to a complaint from a BJP employee, and they also began additional investigation, stated Mumbai Police.

Data of statewide voter turnout:

Bihar- 52.60%
Jammu & Kashmir- 54.49%
Jharkhand- 63.00%
Ladakh-67.15%
Maharashtra- 48.88%
Odisha- 60.72%
Uttar Pradesh-57.79%
West Bengal- 73.00%

After the fifth phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 concluded today CEO of J&K, P K Pole said that with 59% of the vote, the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in J&K registered the greatest voter turnout ever.

The Himachal Pradesh BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India against the Congress, claiming that Congress members in Kaza's Lahaul & Spiti district threw stones at its Mandi MP candidate Kangana Ranaut's procession.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister & RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav remarked on PM Narendra Modi not talking about Bihar after every election. He said, "He does not speak on inflation, unemployment and poverty. Prime Minister comes to Bihar only for himself, not for Bihar. Bihar gave him 31 MPs in 2014 and 39 MPs in 2019, but did the people of Bihar get their rights? He comes to Bihar in every election but forgets Bihar after the elections..."

In the 5th phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N.K. Premachandran said, "We have assessed the political situation prevailing in Kerala and we have discussed the whole political scenario of the country, especially in the 18th Lok Sabha election. In Kerala, we are of the firm opinion UDF has a scope of winning all the 20 seats... The political situation prevailing in the state is in favour of the UDF... The anti-incumbency factor of the state government as well as the central government is the major reason for the upcoming victory of the UDF..."

Voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 has concluded, with EVMs and VVPATS being sealed at polling places in a number of constituencies.

Statewise data of voter turnout:

Bihar- 52.35%
Jammu & Kashmir- 54.21%
Jharkhand- 61.90%
Ladakh-67.15%
Maharashtra- 48.66%
Odisha- 60.55%
Uttar Pradesh-55.80
West Bengal- 73.00%

Former Maharashtra CM & Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "I have seen that voters are going in huge numbers at the voting centre but due to inconvenience they had to go back. A lot of time is being taken inside so that they are not able to vote. I request all the voters that even if it takes time please go to the voting centres and cast your vote..."

Well-known actors Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, siblings Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol and Sonakshi Sinha along with her mother exercised their right to vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

"Seeing their defeat, the anger of TMC is at its peak. People of West Bengal are not giving them votes, hence they are either abusing BJP, or threatening people of Bengal. Till yesterday, TMC was abusing Congress, but now it is saying that it is part of the INDI alliance," said PM Modi in Jhargram, West Bengal.

Voters are urged by Uddhav Thackeray to remain at voting booths till the morning if necessary and to leave only after exercising their right to vote. During a press briefing in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray said, "Election officials delaying voting process in many centres at behest of govt."

In the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani, and their elder son Akash Ambani cast their votes at a voting booth in Mumbai.

Bollywood A-lister celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan along with family, Amitabh Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor cast their votes in Mumbai.

JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah after visiting a polling station in Baramulla's Rafiabad said, "It's a good thing that people are coming out in large numbers. This is in spite to what was done to us in 2019. I hope there are 3-4 hours of polling time available, I hope that those who have not cast their vote, they also come out because in democracy, this is one way to make your voice heard."

In the special voting booth established for the Kashmiri migrants in Jagti township, Pandits cast their votes for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. A migrant Kashmiri Pandit, Sunil said to ANI, "... Since 1990, our vote was of no use. But today, it feels like our vote has some value... The way we have lived 34 years of exile, our vote seems like a contribution to the solution of that exile... We hope our next polling will be done in our homeland. This time, Kashmiri Pandits should not be sidelined..."

According to the Election Commission, Ladakh recorded the highest voter turnout (61.26 per cent) followed by West Bengal (62.72 per cent), Jharkhand (53.90 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (47.55 per cent), Odisha (48.95 per cent), Jammu and Kashmir (44.90 per cent), Bihar (45.33 per cent) and Maharashtra (38.77 per cent).

The cumulative voter turnout was 47.53 per cent as of 3 pm in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections for 49 parliamentary constituencies as per Data released by the Election Commission.

According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre is making great efforts to establish the necessary conditions, and his government has made a "solemn promise" to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

Modi claimed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed the NDA government's commitment to enhancing democracy in the region, "even at the cost of us sacrificing power for ourselves," and he listed the record voter turnout in Srinagar as one of the "most gratifying things" he has seen in his term.

TMC members in Titagarh's Ward No. 15, Booth Number 108, chanted anti-BJP slogans against BJP MP candidate Arjun Singh, who is contesting from the Lok Sabha seat from Barrackpore. "No one is being allowed to vote here. This means that ground has slipped from beneath the feet of TMC," he said.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and candidate from Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, and Wayanad, Kerala, visited a polling place in Raebareli to check it out.

BJP Mandi candidate Kangana Ranaut was shown black banners and anti-BJP slogans by Congress members today when she visited Kaza in the Lahaul and Spiti districts.

Today at a public rally in Kaza, Kangana Ranaut, former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, and other dignitaries spoke. On June 1, the state will cast votes in the final round of the Lok Sabha elections.

Prominent BJP leaders were meeting at the party headquarters in Delhi, today, presided by BJP party president JP Nadda. According to PTI, the purpose of the conference is to analyse the party's performance in the fifth round of the election thus far and to plan the strategy for the remaining stages.

Bollywood Actor Aamir Khan was spotted casting his vote along with his ex-wife Kiran Rao at a polling booth in Mumbai. He said, "I want to appeal to all the Indians to come out and cast a vote and be part of the big democracy. Everyone should vote."

Politicians, sportspersons and prominent persons from the financial sector exercised their franchise at polling booths in different parts of Mumbai and neighbouring Thane district in the fifth and final phase of the general elections in Maharashtra on Monday.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde exercised his franchise with his family members, including his son and sitting Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, at a booth in his political turf, Thane.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and their families cast their votes.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das and former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik were also among the early voters.

Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and his son Arjun also sported the indelible ink on their finger.

Singer Anup Jalota casts his vote in Mumbai

He said, "Maximum people of India are voting for PM Modi. Everyone is enthusiastic and they want the development to keep going what has been going on for the last 10 years..."

Amid voting underway in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday claimed there were lot of complaints from electors about facilities outside the polling booths.

Voters were trying to beat the heat and exercise their franchise in large numbers, the former state minister said, adding that electors should at least be made to queue up in shade and provided fans.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aadesh Bandekar claimed the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were not working at a polling booth in Powai are of Mumbai due to which people had to wait for two hours.

Bollywood celeb Rakesh Roshan and his kids Hrithik and Pinkie Roshan cast their votes in Mumbai

Hrithik Roshan said, "Study the candidates before you vote, know what your are voting for."

A voter turnout of 27.76 per cent was recorded till 11 am in Uttar Pradesh where polling is underway for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 14 constituencies.

According to the Election Commission, Amethi recorded a voter turnout of 27.20 per cent till 11 am, Banda 29.25 per cent, Barabanki 30.60 per cent, Faizabad 29.05 per cent, Fatehpur 28.54 per cent, Gonda 26.68 per cent, Hamirpur 28.24 per cent, Jalaun 26.97 per cent, Kaisarganj 27.92 per cent, Kaushambi 26.12 per cent, Lucknow 22.11 per cent, Mohanlalganj 28.52 per cent and Rae Bareli 28.10 per cent.

Director Meghna Gulzar casts her vote in Mumbai

Meghna Gulzar said, "Issues of the people keep changing with time and it is the responsibility of the govt to solve them. Voting is a responsibility and it is important that we exercise our right to vote..."

Actor Suniel Shetty casts his vote in Mumbai

Shetty said, " "Everyone should come out and cast their votes. The voter turnout in Mumbai has never crossed 50-60%"

"All of us should contribute to the growth of the society and the country," he added

Scattered incidents of violence marred the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls in seven parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal on Monday, as TMC and BJP workers clashed in various parts of Barrackpore, Bongaon, and Arambagh seats.

Although the poll panel has claimed that the polling has been peaceful so far, it said it has received 1,036 complaints until 11 am from different political parties alleging EVM malfunctioning and agents being stopped from entering booths.

In Uttar Pradesh, Amethi recorded a voter turnout of 27.20 per cent till 11 am, and Rae Bareli 28.10 per cent.

Samajwadi Party candidate from Gonda parliamentary constituency, Shreya Verma, has complained to the Election Commission that fair polling is not taking place at two booths in Mankapur area in Gonda.

SSP Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure said, "Voting is going on well. People have come out in large numbers."

"We have ensured adequate security arrangements so that people can vote without any fear..."

A voter turnout of 15.93 per cent was recorded till 11 am on Monday in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra as voting was underway for the fifth and final phase of general elections in the state, as per poll authorities.

Among the 13 constituencies, Bhiwandi recorded 14.79 per cent polling, Dhule 17.38 per cent, Dindori 19.50 per cent, Kalyan 11.46 per cent, Mumbai North 14.71 per cent, Mumbai North Central 15.73 per cent, Mumbai North East 17.01 per cent, Mumbai North West 17.53 per cent, Mumbai South 12.75 per cent, Mumbai South Central 16.69 per cent, Nashik 16.30 per cent, Palghar 18.60 per cent and Thane 14.86 per cent.

A voter turnout of 32.70 per cent was recorded till 11 am in seven Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal that went to polls in the fifth phase, an Election Commission official said.

The Arambag (SC) parliamentary constituency registered the highest polling at 36.21 per cent followed by Uluberai at 33.98 per cent, Hooghly (33.78 per cent), Bangaon (SC) at 31.81 per cent, Sreerampur (31.74 per cent), Howrah (30.89 per cent) and Barrackpore (29.99 per cent), he said.

Around 21.11 per cent of over 95.11 lakh voters in five Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar have exercised their franchise till 11 am on Monday.

The polling began at 7 am in Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saran and Hajipur Lok Sabha constituencies and will continue till 6 pm, a senior official at the CEO's office said.

Bihar 21.11%; Jammu & Kashmir 21.37%; Jharkhand 26.18%; Ladakh 27.87%

Maharashtra 15.93%; Odisha 21.07%; Uttar Pradesh 27.76%; West Bengal 32.70%

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das said, "Voting is everyone's right and no one should give up on this... I wish PM Modi to be the PM again and the BJP government would come to power, I have voted with this feeling."

"Jo Ram ko laaye hain hum unko laayenge' is a people's emotion now as PM Modi has done what others couldn't," he added.

More than 21.30 percent of the 17.37 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the first four hours of polling in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

An official of the election department said polling was going on smoothly across the Lok Sabha constituency which comprises 18 assembly segments and is spread over four districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara and Budgam.

Odisha recorded around 21 per cent voter turnout till 11 am in the polling for five Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 Assembly segments on Monday.

Voting started at 7 am in Aska, Kandhamal, Bargarh, Bolangir and Sundergarh parliamentary constituencies along with 35 assembly segments within the jurisdiction of these Lok Sabha seats.

BJP leader Aparna Yadav casts her vote in Lucknow, UP

BJP leader Aparna Yadav said, "I appeal to the people to vote and participate in this festival of democracy...People have faith in BJP and PM Modi will become PM for the third time..."

BJP candidate from Patnagarh state assembly seat, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo along with his wife cast their vote

BJP candidate from Balangir Lok Sabha seat Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo cast their votes at a polling booth in Patnagarh, Odisha

Days after snubbing him for questioning the trustworthiness of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday heaped praise on West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, lauding him as a "combative soldier" of the party.

Kharge had snubbed Chowdhury, five-time Lok Sabha MP from Bahrampur, last week for his remarks that Banerjee cannot be trusted and that she might go with the BJP.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "The right to vote is a very sacred and valuable right. Your one vote will develop the country, take the country towards becoming a superpower, becoming self-reliant."

"Everyone should come out and cast their votes. People want Modi ji to become the Prime Minister again," he added.

BJP MP and party's national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi cast his vote at a polling booth in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh ADG Law & Order, Amitabh Yash said, "Voting is our national party. We should certainly cast our vote..."

Actor Randeep Hooda shows the indelible ink mark on his finger after casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

He said, "In a democracy, through voting you have the right to decide your future and that of your country. You must vote...Participate in this festival of democracy and vote..."

BJP leader Syed Zafar Islam cast his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai

He said, "The biggest festival of democracy is being celebrated today...I think the BJP candidate will win with a thumping majority. I request everyone to step out of their houses and vote..."

MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, his family members cast their votes at a polling booth in Mumbai

Voting began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm.

Singer Kailash Kher casts his vote in Mumbai

Kher said, "...I want to say that India is changing and you (people) are responsible for this. I want you to keep working in the national interest."

Veteran actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini and their daughter Esha Deol cast their vote in Mumbai.

Voting began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm.

More than 7.60 percent of the 17.37 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

An official of the election department said polling was going on smoothly across the Lok Sabha constituency which comprises 18 assembly segments and is spread over four districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara and Budgam.

Defence Minister and BJP candidate from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, Rajnath Singh casts his vote

"I appeal to the voters of the country to cast their vote along with their family members...," he said.

A voter turnout of 12.89 per cent was recorded till 9 am in Uttar Pradesh where polling is underway for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 14 constituencies.

Polling began at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm.

Around 8.86 per cent of over 95.11 lakh voters in five Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar have exercised their franchise till 9 am on Monday.

The polling began at 7 am in Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saran and Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency and will go on till 6 pm.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde casts his vote at a polling booth in Thane.

Eknath Shinde said "All the important decisions have been taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 10 years. So I am confident that the people of Maharashtra are going to vote for Mahayuti."

A voter turnout of 15.35 per cent was recorded till 9 am in seven Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal that went to polls in the fifth phase, an Election Commission official said.

The Uluberia parliamentary constituency registered the highest polling at 17.25 per cent, followed by Arambag (SC) at 16.38 per cent, Howrah (15.20 per cent), Bangaon (SC) at 15.19 per cent, Barrackpore (15.08 per cent), Sreerampur (14.43 per cent) and Hooghly (14.01 per cent), he said.

After casting her vote, BJP leader Shaina NC said, "The message to Mumbaikars is think, vote. Because only if you vote can you criticize the system. Only if you vote can you question and for Mumbai as the financial capital I think it's extremely imperative that we have the right representatives in parliament."

"You have seen the kind of work that Prime Minister Modi has done and his vision for a Viksit Bharat is a reality. This is probably the first time that in Mumbai we see no anti-incumbency, we only see a pro-incumbency and that's because of the Modi magic," she added.

Prominent early voters were Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das, BSP chief Mayawati, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, Union minister Piyush Goyal and industrialist Anil Ambani.

Voting began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm.

An argument erupts between BJP candidate from Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat Arjun Singh and a TMC worker, in North 24 Parganas.

Arjun Singh alleges that the TMC workers are not letting people come out of their houses to cast their votes for the fifth phase

The fate of over 600 candidates, including some ministers, will be sealed in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 20

10.28% voter turnout recorded till 9 am; West Bengal tops with 15.35%, Maharashtra lowest at 6.33% so far

Polling being held on the lone seat of Ladakh today, in the fifth phase.

It see a contest between Congress' Tsering Namgyal and BJP's Tashi Gyalson.

Kotak AMC's Nilesh Shah casts his vote in Mumbai

Voting began at 7 am in 24,553 polling centres in Maharashtra and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal shows the indelible ink mark on his finger after casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

Voting began at 7 am in 24,553 polling centres in Maharashtra and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

The Election Commission on Monday removed a BSF personnel from poll duty in Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency following a complaint of molestation against him.

A woman lodged the molestation complaint at Uluberia Police Station on Sunday evening.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and candidate from South Mumbai, Arvind Sawant casts his vote

Shiv Sena has fielded Yamini Jadhav, from South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat.

Congress candidate from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, Varsha Gaikwad casts her vote at a polling station in Mumbai.

BJP has fielded Ujjwal Nikam from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat.

Hockey India president and BJD candidate from Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat, Dilip Tirkey casts his vote at a polling booth in Sundargarh

BJP has fielded its sitting MP Jual Oram from this seat while Congress has fielded Janardan Dehury.

Long queues of voters at a polling booth in Ichgam, Budgam as they await their turn to cast their vote.

Voting is being held for Baramulla Parliamentary constituency today. The constituency sees a contest among NC's Omar Abdullah, PDP's Mir Mohammad Fayaz and JKPC's Sajad Lone.

Polling booths in many parts of Mumbai witnessed brisk voting as soon as the polling began at 7 am on Monday in the six Lok Sabha constituencies

Among the early voters were Union minister Piyush Goyal, the BJP nominee from Mumbai North seat, and city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad, who is contesting from Mumbai North Central seat.

The early voters also included industrialist Anil Ambani, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who exercised his franchise for the first time after his return to Indian citizenship, actor Janhvi Kapoor, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and Marathi theatre actor Prashant Damle.

After casting his vote, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said, "It's a very proud moment for every Indian. It's a moment of pride to participate in an election of 140 crore people. The process of voting today was very smooth and I would like to congratulate the Election Commission of India and all the officials who have been working throughout the country."

"It's really a moment of pride for every indian to vote in these elections. I appeal to every voter to come out and vote," he added.

After casting his vote, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat, Piyush Goyal said, "The fifth phase of polling is underway in Mumbai and the rest of the country."

"Just like PM Modi said everyone should take part in the festival of democracy...I believe that the people of Mumbai will come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote," he added.

Bollywood Actress Janhvi Kapoor casts her vote at a polling station in Mumbai.

Actor Sanya Malhotra shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

Actor Rajkummar Rao said, "It is a big responsibility towards our country, we should vote. Through us, if people can get influenced then of course that's the biggest thing that we can do to make people aware of the importance of voting.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das along with family reaches polling booth to cast his vote

Voting began at 7 am in 24,553 polling centres in Maharashtra and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

As polling began in 49 constituencies for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged people to vote for love and not hatred and cast their ballot against unemployment and inflation.

In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said, "If we want to protect democracy and the Constitution, we must vote. Before pressing the button on EVM, remember that we should vote for love and brotherhood, not for hatred."

"We have to vote against unemployment and inflation, not to make a few capitalists richer. We have to vote for the protection of our fundamental rights, not for those who snatch our rights," the Congress president said.

LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and candidate from Hajipur Lok Sabha seat Chirag Paswan said, "My father has been a representative from Hajipur since 1977. I am hopeful that I get the same kind of love my father got from the people of Hajipur."

"Development and my father's name have been synonyms in Hajipur. I will make sure to work for the development of Hajipur," he added.

On being asked about INDIA alliance, he said, "NDA is crossing 400 seats in the country whereas INDI alliance will be at its all-time low, especially Congress..."

After casting his vote, BJP's Raebareli candidate, Dinesh Pratap Singh said, "There is no confusion that Lotus is blooming in Amethi and Raebareli...Rahul Gandhi is taking the name of his grandmother, father but he is not talking about his grandfather..."

Congress has fielded Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli seat.

On his son and BJP candidate from Kaiserganj Karan Bhushan Sharan Singh, BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh said, "Everyone is happy with his candidature. Karan Bhushan Singh is attached to the youth of Gonda."

"He is a National player so he is interested in sports as he is in other things," he added.

BJP candidate from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, Ujjwal Nikam said, "First I will go to a temple and then cast my vote and after that, I will visit polling stations in my constituency."

"Voting is a festival in a democracy and I hope all Mumbaikars will exercise their right to vote," he added.

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar said, "I appeal to the voters to participate in this festival of democracy that comes after every five years. ECI has made good arrangements and people should follow ECI's guidelines... "

"I have seen enthusiasm in people for the BJP, especially in the roadshow of PM Modi. Mahayuti will win all the six seats (in Mumbai)," he added.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat, Piyush Goyal arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote

Union Commerce minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal is set to make his Lok Sabha poll debut from this seat.

He is facing Congress leader Bhushan Patil. Patil, vice president of the Congress’ Mumbai unit, had contested the 2009 Lok Sabha election from Borivali.

Actor Farhan Akhtar and Director Zoya Akhtar show their inked fingers after casting their votes at a polling station in Mumbai.

Voting began at 7 am in 24,553 polling centres in Maharashtra and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

Actor Akshay Kumar shows the indelible ink mark on his finger after casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

He said, "...I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right...I think voter turnout will be good..."

Polling for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls commenced across seven parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal amid tight security on Monday, an official said.

Voting commenced in Bangaon (SC), Barrackpore, Howrah, Uluberia, Sreerampur, Hooghly, and Arambag (SC) Lok Sabha constituencies at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm.

Actor Akshay Kumar arrives at a polling booth in Mumbai.

Voting began at 7 am in 24,553 polling centres in Maharashtra and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

BSP chief Mayawati said "I appeal to everyone to come out and cast their votes...I request all political parties to prioritise the issues of development and the welfare of the people."

"Whether it is the BJP or Congress, all the parties say that they are forming the Govt but everything will be clear when the results are announced..." she added.

Polling for three Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand began on Monday morning, marking the second phase of elections in the state and fifth nationally.

Voting began at 7 am in Chatra, Koderma and Hazaribag seats, and will continue till 5 pm.

In this phase, 22 candidates are contesting from Chatra, 15 from Koderma, and 17 from Hazaribag.

Polling began on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency where 22 candidates, including former chief minister Omar Abdullah, are in the fray.

Voting began at 7 am. People were seen lining up outside the polling stations to exercise their franchise in some areas of the constituency.

Voting for five Lok Sabha seats in Bihar began amid tight security arrangements on Monday.

Polling commenced at 7 am in Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saran and Hajipur constituencies and will continue till 6 pm.

Over 95 lakh voters in the five seats will decide the electoral fate of 80 candidates at 9,436 polling stations.

Industrialist Anil Ambani stands in a queue at a polling booth in Mumbai.

Voting began at 7 am in 24,553 polling centres in Maharashtra and will end at 6 pm, the official said.

Polling has begun across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other 5 states and union territories

Fate of high profile candidates like Rahul Gandhi, Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal to be decided today

BJP MP and candidate from Barrackpore, Arjun Singh said "...Violating all rules, Partha Bhowmick (TMC candidate) distributed money last night. He is doing this to facilitate hooliganism..."

"We will try to have peaceful elections but if that doesn't happen, government would be responsible for it..." he added.

Voting to begin at 7am for 49 LS seats across 8 states and Union territories

Voting to take place shprtly in Maharashtra, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal across 49 constituencies.

Final preparations and mock polling underway at a polling booth in Sreerampur Lok Sabha constituency.

TMC's Kalyan Banerjee, BJP's Kabir Shankar Bose and CPI(M)'s Dipsita Dhar are contesting here.

Mock polling underway at a polling booth in Leh

PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "As 49 seats across 8 states and UTs go to the polls today in the 5th phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, urging all those whose constituencies are polling today to vote in record numbers..."

The fate of over 600 candidates, including some ministers, will be sealed in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20