Lok Sabha Polls Live: Voting Concludes, 81.17% Voter Turnout Recorded in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a firm stance against former Nagaon MP Rajen Gohain, a senior BJP leader, for his purported statements detrimental to the party's interests during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to the media, CM Sarma emphasized the gravity of a senior BJP figure speaking against the party on a crucial polling day, asserting that such behavior is unacceptable. He underscored that in the BJP, individuals cannot arbitrarily classify themselves as either old or new members, as the party's strength lies in its unity. The Chief Minister underscored the party's resilience, stating its capability to make bold decisions in such situations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the voters across India for their participation in the second phase of the Lok Sabha Polls 2024.

In a message posted on his official 'X' platform handle, PM Modi expressed gratitude, stating, "Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA’s good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support."

Five constituencies of Assam went to polls in phase two of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday with 81.17 percent polling recorded.

The highest voter turnout of 84.97 percent was recorded in Nagaon, followed by 82.01 percent in Darrang-Udalguri, 80.48 percent in Karimganj, 79.05 percent in Silchar, and 75.74 percent in Diphu.

Tripura remained at the top with the highest voter turnout of 78.53 percent, while Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest voter turnout of 53.71 percent.

The full list of voter turnout till 7 pm has been given below:

A derailment between New Harangajao and Jatinga Lumpur railway stations in Assam's Dima Hasao district has thrown railway services into disarray, affecting passengers and casting a shadow over democratic participation.

The incident, which occurred during a journey from Badarpur to Lumding, has led to the suspension of all railway services along this route, causing inconvenience to travelers.

In response, the railway department has arranged transportation for stranded passengers in Lumding, including those aboard the 12503 Bangalore to Agartala Express and the 15611 Rangiya to Silchar train, providing bus services free of charge. Despite these efforts, some affected passengers have resorted to using their resources, opting to travel to Silchar in private vehicles. Meanwhile, frustration brews among passengers who feel deprived of their democratic rights due to the disruption, with grievances directed at the central government.

The voter turnout trends as of 5 pm in Assam showed Darrang-Udalguri constituency leading with 72.99 percent. On the other hand, Nagaon witnessed 71.84 percent and Karimganj witnessed 71.12 percent polling. Diphu recorded 69.62 percent voter turnout. While Silchar remained last with 65.57 percent polling.

Tripura remained at the top with the highest voter turnout of 76.23 percent, while Uttar Pradesh recorded teh lowest voter turnout of 52.64 percent.

The full list of voter turnout till 5 pm has been given below:

Major allegations have been leveled against the Congress party of booth capturing and proxy voting in the Hailakandi district under the Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency. These serious allegations were leveled by AIUDF MLA of Hailakandi, Zakir Hussain Laskar on Friday. The MLA alleged that in various places under of Hailakandi, the Congress made attempts of booth capturing and proxy voting. Right after casting his vote today, Laskar, while speaking to the media appealed to the jurisdiction to keep track of the incidents and not let them hinder the election process.

Tripura records the highest voter turnout with 68.92 percent polling. On the other hand, Maharashtra records the lowest polling with 43.01 percent polling. 

The full list of voter turnout has been given below:

In a concerning revelation during the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Assam, it has come to light that a voter allegedly cast their vote twice across two districts, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process. The incident occurred in Bokakhat’s Kakojan area, which borders Golaghat and Karbi Anglong districts.

The voter in question, identified as Bimol Mura, also known as Duba Murah, purportedly exercised his franchise in Bokakhat constituency during the first phase of polling on April 19. However, he was reported to have cast another vote in the second phase of polling at polling booth no. 174 in Kakojan LP School, located in Bokajan within the East Karbi Anglong district.

The latest voter turnout trends till 1 pm indicate that 54.47 per cent polling, Tripura recorded the most out of the 13 states where second phase of polling is underway today. Manipur followed closely behind with a voter turnout of 54.26 per cent. Elsewhere, voting has not picked up yet in Maharashtra where the turnout recorded till 1 pm was 31.77 per cent. Here is the full list:

As the parliamentary elections unfold today across five constituencies in Assam, reports of negligence and discrepancies in the voters' list have cast a shadow over the democratic process.

In Baghjap village of Jagiroad under the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency, the no. 151 polling station has become a focal point of concern as around 80 elderly individuals find themselves disenfranchised due to their names being inexplicably absent from the electoral roll.

Among those affected are elderly voters who have faithfully exercised their franchise in every previous election. Shockingly, even the name of a respected Mouzadar from the area has been omitted from the voters' list, adding to the sense of disenfranchisement and disillusionment.

The latest voter turnout trends are in and the Darrang-Udalguri constituency leapfrogged Diphu in terms of the total polling which was recorded at 49.72 per cent. Karimganj was close behind at 49.14 per cent, while Silchar remained last with 40.23 per cent polling.

The Supreme Court has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in response to a petition requesting guidelines to declare elections in a constituency null and void if "None of the Above" (NOTA) option garners the majority of votes. The plea also seeks rules to disqualify candidates who receive fewer votes than NOTA from contesting any elections for five years, as well as ensuring clear reporting and publicity of NOTA as a "Fictional Candidate".

"I am very happy to vote today. Each vote counts. Don't hesitate to come out to vote," the ISRO chief said after casting his vote in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.

An eligible voter from Kasokhaity in Samaguri, situated within the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency, was confronted with an alarming revelation on Friday: he had been erroneously declared deceased.

Reports indicate that upon arriving at the polling station, the individual was informed by the polling agent that, as per their records, he was no longer among the living.

Expressing incredulity and dismay, the affected individual voiced his disbelief, stating, "I came to vote, however, the polling officer told me that my name is not in the electoral roll because according to their documents, I am dead."

Google introduced a new Doodle commemorating the commencement of the second phase of Lok Sabha elections at 7 a.m. on Friday. This phase covers 89 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories. Clicking on the Doodle, featuring an inked finger, redirects users to search results highlighting the latest updates on the ongoing elections.

Assam cabinet minister and BJP leader Pijush Hazarika cast his vote and targetted the Congress over its stance on EVM hacking. He said, "Whenever Congress wins, then there is no discussion of EVM and VVPAT... When they won in Himachal Pradesh, did they oppose EVMs... Whenever the opposition (Congress) loses, they blame the EVMs. All these allegations are baseless."

Congress leader and candidate from Guwhati, Mira Borthakur is reportedly gearing up to take out a bike rally from Dhupdhara to Dhudhnoi in the Goalpara district of Assam. She will be joined by Gaurav Gogoi and AJP chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi and Raijor Dal general secretary Rashel Hussain.

After the rally, Borthakur is slated to address two gatherings in Dudhnoi and West Goalpara.

Amidst the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, a polling officer stationed at Assam’s Hailakandi district reportedly passed away while on duty.

The incident was reported from a polling station at Katlicherra under Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency on Friday morning.

Sources revealed that the officer, whose identity is yet to be established, allegedly died due to high blood pressure. Read the full story here.

Till 11 am, Tripura witnessed the highest polling at 36.42 per cent, closely followed by Chhattisgarh at 35.47 per cent and Manipur at 33.22 per cent. With 18.83 per cent voter turnout, Maharashtra recorded the least turnout according to latest trends.

The latest voter turnout trends in Assam till 11 am are in and 27.43 per cent polling was recorded in the state. Diphu maintains the lead with 30.82 per cent turnout followed by Karimganj at 29.99 per cent. The turnout witnessed in Silchar was the lowest at 23.20 per cent.

After a 20-year hiatus, the villagers of Bamunjhar village, situated within Assam’s Darrang-Udalguri Lok Sabha constituency, have finally participated in the voting process.

The polling, taking place at Bamunjhar Primary School, witnessed a significant turnout as villagers exercised their democratic rights during the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

Comprising 15 per cent Boro and 85 per cent non-Boro population, the village had refrained from voting in protest against its inclusion in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

As many as 120 eligible voters at a polling booth in Silchar's Chittaranjan Road called for a boycott of polls over artificial flooding witnessed every year.

The Supreme Court of India rejected all petitions that sought 100 per cent cross-verification of votes cast using EVM with VVPAT on Friday. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta who were on the bench noted that democracy is about harmony and trust among its different pillars.

Indian cricket team stars of the yesteryears, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble cast their vote in Karnataka. The current head coach of the men's team, Dravid was seen standing in a queue awaiting his turn to cast his vote in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Kumble also cast his vote in Bengaluru.

Voting at the left wing of No 175 polling booth in Rowta's Ekrabari under the Darrang-Udalguri Lok Sabha constituency has not begun yet due to EVM malfunction even after three hours.

Voters queued up in large numbers at the polling booth.

Due to a delay in voting caused by the malfunctioning of an EVM machine, several voters went away without casting their vote in Assam's Madoikata village. The incident was reported from the Madoikata Balika ME Madrasa coming under the Goreswar assembly constituency and the Darrang-Udalguri Lok Sabha constituency.

Voters who had gathered since early morning to cast their vote, expressed displeasure as a section returned home without casting vote.

Congress candidate for the Darrang-Udalguri constituency, Madhab Rajbanghsi cast his vote at the No 151 Bamunpara Primary School polling station in Mangaldoi.

Having cast his vote, the Congress candidate complained of low-lighting at the booth saying that due to the failure of BJP, he has cast his vote in favour of Congress.

Security measures have been heightened in Manipur for the second phase of polling. The security arrangements at a polling booth in Outer Manipur's Ukhrul where large number of forces have been stationed to prevent any untoward incidents.

In Manipur, voting for 13 assembly segments under the Outer Manipur seat is being held in the second phase today.

Early voting trends are in and according to the Election Commission of India, highest turnout have been witnessed in Chhattisgarh (15.42 per cent) and Manipur (15.49 per cent). On the other hand, Maharashtra recorded the lowest turnout till 9 am at 7.45 per cent.

An elderly voter headed to cast his vote in a wheelchair in Assam's Juria. Watch.

Till 9 am of polling, Assam recorded a voter turnout of 9.71 per cent. The highest turnout was seen in Diphu where 14.13 per cent of polling has been done. On the other hand, the lowest turnout was witnessed in Silchar where 5.49 per cent of polling has been completed.

Another instance of EVM malfunction-enforced delay in voting surfaced from Assam's Lahorighat where voters, who queued up since early morning expressed their displeasure.

Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita cast his vote at the Majgaon Higher Secondary School during the second phase of polling on Friday. Speaking afterwards, he exuded confidence of the party doing well in 13 of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. He also backed Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal to win big.

"We are sure to win 13 seats. If the minorities and Miyas vote for us, then we will also win in Dhubri. Sarbananda Sonowal will win by a margin of five lakh votes. Everyone will vote for Modiji," said Bhabesh Kalita.

BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla has said that this election is not a fight to save the constitution as it is in good hands. He referred to the opposition saying that they are spreading lies.

Another instance of EVM malfunction surfaced in Assam's Orang at the No 173 Bengenabari polling station under the Majbat assembly constituency. Voting has been delayed by over one hour as a result and the people have started complaining about the issue.

During the ongoing polling for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to remain vigilant against any 'diversionary tactics' employed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kharge emphasized that this election is crucial for safeguarding democracy from authoritarian control.

In a message shared on his official social media handle, Kharge stated, "We, the people of India - this soul of the Constitution of India, should reverberate in your hearts and minds before you push the voting button. Do not forget that this is not an ordinary election. It is an election to protect Democracy from the clutches of Dictatorship. To all my dear citizens, from 89 Constituencies in 13 States and UTs, do not get swayed by any diversionary tactics and lies. Always make your vote count."

Kharge also reminded voters of the key promises outlined in the party's manifesto, known as 'Nyay Patra', urging them to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived to cast his vote in Kannur.

A string of EVM malfunctions are occurring across polling booths in Assam. Following three reported cases of EVM developing faults, further reports emerged of similar instances in Moirabari, Mangaldoi, Diphu, and Dhing. The sudden breakdown of EVM machines has forced voting to be delayed in the respective polling booths.

EVM faults occurred at No 293 Pub Ulubari Primary School in Moirabari and No 122 Khoiramari polling booth in Dhing which resulted in delayed voting.

Meanwhile, in Diphu's No 110 a delay in voting was reported due to EVM breaking down. However, voting started after the machine was fixed, reports stated.

Elsewhere in Mangaldoi's Bamunpara Primary School, the VVPAT machine developed a fault due to which voting started after a 25-minute delay.

EVM malfunctions were reported across three polling stations in Assam which forced a delay in voting in the early parts of the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday. An EVM fault was reported from Mojoliya Vidyalaya, that is, No 37 polling booth in Morigaon where voting has been delayed.

Meanwhile, a similar fault in EVM was reported at No 122 polling booth in Samaguri where 1,320 voters arrived early to cast their vote. However, voting has been delayed there as well.

Elsewhere in Sipajhar, EVM malfunction was reported at the women-run No 191 polling booth at the Ghorabandha Lower Primary School forcing voting to be delayed.

Prominent BJP leader Vasundhara Raje cast her vote at a polling booth in Rajasthan's Jhalawar. Voting is underway across 88 PCs in 13 states and union territories of India in the second phase today.

Author-philanthropist Sudha Murty cast her vote in the ongoing Lok Sabha general elections in Bengaluru on Friday. Voting is underway for the second phase of polling today.

Setting an example early in the morning, a 94-year-old woman arrived to cast her vote at a polling station in Outer Manipur's Ukhrul on Friday. Voting for 13 assembly segments under Outer Manipur seat are underway today.

"Urging everyone in constituencies voting today, in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, to participate in record numbers. A high voter turnout strengthens our democracy. I especially urge our young voters and women voters to turn out in great numbers. Your vote is your voice!" wrote the Prime Minister in a post on X.

Voting began at 7 am on Friday across 13 states and union territories of India for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024. As many as 88 parliamentary constituencies will vote in phase 2 with five constituencies in Assam also voting today.

A total of 9,133 polling stations have been set up across the five constituencies of Assam which will go to polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls on Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Assam, Anurag Goel said that all arrangements have been made for the second phase of elections.

The Assam CEO stated that a total of 77,09,276 voters will cast their franchise tomorrow across 9,133 polling stations.

In Darrang district, the polling teams and EVMs have been dispatched for the second phase of voting scheduled for April 26.

Speaking to ANI, Darrang District Commissioner (DC) Munindra Nath Ngatey said that there are 6.97 lakh voters including 3.53 lakh male voters and 3.44 lakh female voters in the district.

Ngatey said, "In the Darrang district, we have three assembly constituencies - Mangaldoi, Sipajhar, and Dalgaon under the Darrang-Udalguri Lok Sabha constituency. We have 6.97 lakh voters including 3.53 lakh male voters and 3.44 lakh female voters. There are 15 transgender voters and 182 voters above 100 years of age. There are 7,241 young voters. We have deployed CAPF personnel in each critical polling station and there are 169 critical polling stations in the district. We have 461 polling stations where webcasting will be done. Out of 835 polling stations we have 43 polling stations for which polling parties left yesterday. All arrangements have been made. Today we have distributed materials to polling parties. Elections will be held smoothly."

In Assam, a total of 61 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of polling for the five constituencies. The most number of candidates, that is, 24, will be contesting from Karimganj, while the least will be from Diphu at 5. Voting will begin at 7 am and will go on till 5 pm.

The second phase of Lok Sabha general elections will be held on Friday (April 26). In Assam, five constituencies will be up for grabs with - Darrang-Udalguri, Diphu (ST), Karimganj, Silchar (SC), and Nagaon.

Meanwhile, as many as 1,210 candidates across 88 parliamentary constituencies in 13 states and union territories will be in the fray in the second phase, according to Election Commission of India data.

As first phase elections drew to a close, Tripura recorded the highest voter turnout of 81.51 per cent, followed by West Bengal at 77.95 per cent, and Sikkim at 77.87 per cent.

Assam recorded the sixth-most voter turnout at 70.77 per cent behind Puducherry at 75.81 per cent and Meghalaya at 74.50 per cent.

Meanwhlie, Bihar recorded the least voter turnout in the first phase of polling at 48.88 per cent.

(all data are approximate as per latest trends)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people for casting their votes in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. "First phase, great response! Thank you to all those who have voted today. Getting EXCELLENT feedback from today’s voting. It’s clear that people across India are voting for NDA in record numbers," said PM Modi.

The aggregate voter turnout in the first phase of polling for the 102 Lok Sabha constituencies across 21 states and union territories was recorded at 62.37 per cent.

A bus carrying election officers and employees met with an accident on the Kakopathar-Takaupathar bypass road on Friday evening.

The bus, registered as AS 23 BC 1169, was en route from Kakopathar to Tinsukia when the incident occurred, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Reports indicate that the bus driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to a collision with the bypass divider. As a result of the accident, one employee sustained minor injuries.

The number 205 polling station in Sarupathar under the Kaziranga Lok Sabha constituency in Assam witnessed zero voter turnout during the first phase of polling on Friday.

The polling station was identified as Jeheko Memorial School which falls on the Assam-Nagaland border. A total of 25 voters were supposed to cast their votes at the polling station including 14 male and 11 female voters.

However, no one showed up to cast their votes at the station. As a result, the polling officials had to return with blank EVM machines.

So far, it remains unclear why the people opted not to appear to cast their votes at the polling station.

According to latest trends, the five constituencies were Lok Sabha polls were conducted on Friday showed the following trends:

• Dibrugarh - 71.05 per cent.

• Jorhat - 77.45 per cent.

• Kaziranga - 69.71 per cent.

• Lakhimpur - 68.71 per cent.

• Sonitpur - 71.34 per cent.

As the clock approached 6:30 pm, more than four hundred voters were observed queuing up at the Bhojmari ME School polling station and the No. 1 Adhabheti Primary School polling station in the southern region of Sootea under Sonitpur Lok Sabha Constituency. Despite the advancing hour, polling activity persisted, indicating a remarkable voter turnout in the area.

Reports suggest that polling is likely to extend into the night at these particular polling stations, highlighting the strong civic engagement and participation of voters in the electoral process.

Following the conclusion of the first phase of polling, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Rishiraj Kaundinya conveyed his optimism about securing victory in the Sonitpur Lok Sabha constituency. Speaking in Biswanath, Kaundinya expressed gratitude for the increasing support from the public, stating, "At first, there was not much hope as expected, but later, the public has made Rishiraj confident by voting in his favor."

Kaundinya also highlighted concerns regarding the low voter turnout, suggesting it as an unfavorable sign for the incumbent government. He noted, "Many voters in the ruling party have not voted this time," emphasizing the potential implications of this trend.

Asserting his position in the electoral race, Kaundinya affirmed his determination to contend fiercely until the end of polling. Furthermore, he criticized both the Congress and BJP, claiming they are essentially the same party due to members frequently switching sides. Kaundinya predicted a two-cornered contest in Sonitpur, underscoring the AAP's resolve to challenge the status quo.

In a startling turn of events in Tiloi village panchayat of Tingkhong under the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha Constituency, an eligible voter faced a distressing revelation on Friday: he was mistakenly declared deceased. According to reports, the polling agent informed the man that, according to their records, he was no longer alive.

Expressing disbelief, the individual stated, "I had all my documents, but the polling officer told me that my name isn’t on the electoral roll because, according to their documents, I am dead."

The incident underscores a significant oversight by the Election Commission, leading to sadness and frustration for the impacted voter.

As the clock struck five, here is a detailed look of the approximate polling in the 21 states and union territories where parliamentary constituency elections were held in the first phase today. According to latest trends, here are the voter turnouts:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 56.87 per cent.

• Arunachal Pradesh - 63.92 per cent.

• Assam - 70.77 per cent.

• Bihar - 46.32 per cent.

• Chhattisgarh - 63.41 per cent.

• Jammu and Kashmir - 65.08 per cent.

• Lakshadweep - 59.02 per cent.

• Madhya Pradesh - 63.25 per cent.

• Maharashtra - 54.85 per cent.

• Manipur - 68.47 per cent.

• Meghalaya - 69.91 per cent.

• Mizoram - 52.91 per cent.

• Nagaland - 55.97 per cent.

• Puducherry - 72.84 per cent.

• Rajasthan - 50.27 per cent.

• Sikkim - 68.06 per cent.

• Tamil Nadu - 62.08 per cent.

• Tripura - 76.10 per cent.

• Uttar Pradesh - 57.54 per cent.

• Uttarakhand - 53.56 per cent.

• West Bengal - 77.57 per cent.

The approximate voter turnout in 20 districts of Arunachal Pradesh at 5pm where assembly elections were held was recorded at 65.03 per cent. Lower Subansiri district saw the most of 82.10 per cent polling, while Kamle district recorded 81 per cent polling. On the other hand, Papum Pare recorded the least of 33.15 per cent polling among all districts.

Elsewhere Sikkim reported an approximate voter turnout of 67.95 per cent with the six districts witnessing moderate turnout.

According to latest trends, the five constituencies were Lok Sabha polls were conducted on Friday showed the following trends:

• Dibrugarh - 70.65 per cent.

• Jorhat - 76.20 per cent.

• Kaziranga - 68.90 per cent.

• Lakhimpur - 68.34 per cent.

• Sonitpur - 69.84 per cent.

At 3 pm, Dhekiajuli MLA and Assam Minister Ashok Singhal exercised his franchise at Shantiniketan-polling booth in Bhotpara. Speaking to the media after casting his vote, the minister conveyed his belief that the government would once again be established under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

During the first phase of polling, sporadic incidents disrupted the peace in Sivasagar, with clashes erupting between supporters of the Congress and the BJP. A reported altercation saw BJP supporters allegedly assaulting a Congress worker, prompting the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Sivasagar police station by Congress members.

The clash took a violent turn when District Congress secretary Rabindra Singh was allegedly attacked by a BJP worker identified as Shravan Singh.

This incident, allegedly instigated by Ward Commissioner of Ward Number 11, Mrinalini Konwar, raised concerns over the adherence to the model code of conduct.

Accusations have been leveled against Ward Commissioner Mrinalini Konwar for purportedly campaigning near polling booths numbered 187, 188, and 189 at Bhuban Chandra Gogoi Memorial Polytechnic High School, in violation of the guidelines outlined by the model code of conduct.

Amidst these allegations, BJP worker Shravan Singh has been accused of assaulting District Congress secretary Ravindra Singh, allegedly in response to the latter's attempts to obstruct the reported campaigning activity.

An incident occurred at the No. 181- polling station in Dhemaji, where allegations have arisen of unidentified individuals casting votes on behalf of those listed in the voter registry.

Tension arose at polling booth number 216 in Na-Duar, located within the Sonitpur Lok Sabha Constituency. According to reports, individuals allegedly affiliated with the Congress party exerted pressure on voters to cast their ballots in favor of the party's symbol. Local police intervened, resulting in the arrest of two individuals, including the Booth Level Officer (BLO), based on information from undisclosed sources. A formal complaint filed by the election officer led to the registration of a case against the two suspects. The incident unfolded at Makuwa Primary School in Pach-mile, a community predominantly inhabited by minorities within Na-Duar. The individuals taken into custody were identified as Muskan Begum and Saiful Islam.

The figures below are according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) -

Dibrugarh - 60.83%

Jorhat - 64.84%

Kaziranga - 58.33%

Lakhimpur - 59.53%

Sonitpur - 60.29%

A vehicle of the quick response team submerged in the Deopani River in Assam's Sadiya while it was en route to repair a malfunctioned EVM in Amarpur.

According to sources, the water levels of the Deopani River suddenly rose which submerged the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle luckily managed to break free from the car.

A member of the Raijor Dal party, Sangeeta Gogoi, succumbed to a heart attack while fulfilling her duties at the election table in ward no. 10 of Banmukh Panchayat. Her untimely demise has cast a somber shadow over the electoral process.

The figures below are according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) -

Dibrugarh - 44.02%

Jorhat - 47.73 %

Kaziranga - 44.32 %

Lakhimpur - 44.33 %

Sonitpur - 45.25 %

Amid voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Assam, people in Dhakuakhana and Dergaon have reportedly announced a complete boycott of the elections citing no development in the region.

In both locations, polling booths wore a deserted look as the voters were instead seen protesting on streets, blocking the road, and raising slogans against the representatives of the constituency.

Displaying a banner declaring their boycott, the voters of Dhakuakhana's Ghilaguri said that they face a lot of hindrance in transportation as the roads are in a deplorable condition. The locals further alleged the negligence of the leaders, due to which they have decided not ot vote for any person.

Reportedly, a total of 538 voters are eligible to cast votes under the No 114 Ghilaguri polling station. However, not a single voter arrived in the centre since this morning.

On the other hand, over 600 voters in Dergaon's Borkoroiyoni boycotted the elections citing no repairment of roads in the remote areas.

The figures below are according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) -

Dibrugarh - 25.41 %

Jorhat - 29.51 %

Kaziranga - 26.88 %

Lakhimpur - 26.14 %

Sonitpur - 28.12 %

In Sonitpur constituency, an instance of EVM tampering has surfaced where the BJP symbol was concealed with a white paper, potentially to mislead voters. A circle officer is on-site investigating the issue, leading to a temporary halt in voting proceedings.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has cast his vote from Dibrugarh constituency in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Sonowal is contesting against Lurinjyoti Gogoi from AJP.

"A vote for peace, progress, prosperity and unabated growth. Cast my vote in Dibrugarh for the #LokSabhaElections2024 . The world's largest festival of democracy beckons. Did u cast ur vote?," Sonowal posted in 'X' shortly after voting.

Here is the voter turnout breakdown for the five constituencies in Assam -

Dibrugarh - 16.25 %

Jorhat - 18.30 %

Kaziranga - 14.20 %

Lakhimpur - 13.30 %

Sonitpur - 11.85 %

Congress candidate from Sonitpur constitunecy Premlal Ganju cast his vote.

"I had a very wonderful experience casting my vote today. I struggled a lot and reached this position. If voted to power, I will work efficiently for the people," he said after casting his vote.

Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu cast his vote at the No. 65 Dakshin Gogamukh Primary School in Dhemaji on Friday. Taking to platform 'X', he appealed people to exercise their franchise, adding that each vote is important.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal urged people vote for the 'Lotus' symbol and help Narendra Modi become the Prime Minister for the third time.

Speaking to media persons on Friday, Sonowal said, "The weather is good today and it is a good beginning. I hope people will happily participate in this voting process. I request people to vote for the Lotus symbol and make our honorable leader Narendra Modi ji the Prime Minister for the third time."

"Congress should look at its condition, they are going to get less seats than before," he added.

Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency Gaurav Gogoi exercised his franchise.

Speaking to ANI before casting his franchise, Gogoi said, "It is an important day today and I appeal to everyone to come out of their houses and cast their valuable votes. This vote is to save the democracy and the culture of the country."

Voters in Jorhat Constituency said that they want a government for the development of the country. Speaking to PTI, a local voter in Jorhat said, "We want an efficient government for the country's development. On the basis of that we will have to vote."

Another female voter said, “Everyone should vote. We all should vote for a stable government. We (women) face many issues that should be taken care of."

BJP Candidate from Sonitpur Parliamentary Constituency Ranjit Dutta casts his vote.

Roselina Tirkey, Congress candidate from Kaziranga constituency casts her vote early this morning.

Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha general elections began at 7 am across the five Lok Sabha constituencies namely Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Kaziranga, and Dibrugarh in Assam. The polling will continue till 5 pm.

Assam Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have reviewed the self-sworn affidavits of all 35 candidates running in the Phase-I Lok Sabha elections 2024 across 5 constituencies in Assam. Among the candidates scrutinized, 5 individuals (14%) have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Here are the criminal records of the candidates in the first phase of elections along with significant findings regarding financial standings, educational qualifications, age demographics, and gender representation among the contenders.

Read here.

The State Election Commission of Assam received 113 complaints related to Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations, of which 108 were disposed of till 9 am on Thursday. Contraband items including liquor and narcotics along with cash seizures went up to Rs 168 crores, while a significant number of weapons including explosives were seized in the build-up to the Lok Sabha general elections in the state.

For the full piece, read here.

The total number of voters in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Assam is 86,47,869. Of these, 42,82,887 are male, 43,64,859 female, and 123 voters of the third gender, the Assam State Election Commission said on Thursday.

Out of the 10,001 polling stations to witness voting in the first phase, 92 have been identified as model polling stations. There are 11 polling stations being run by differently-abled persons in Assam, while 752 are being operated by women.

A whopping 40,004 polling-presiding officers have been deployed for the first phase of elections with 10,001 each of VVPATs, ballot units and control units in use for the first phase in Assam.

Out of the 35 candidates vying for votes in the first phase in Assam, 11 candidates are from Kaziranga, eight from Sonitpur, nine from Lakhimpur, three from Dibrugarh, and four from Jorhat Lok Sabha constituencies.

As the Sikkim Assembly Elections approach, 146 candidates gear up to contest for the 32 assembly seats in the state. With security a top priority, the Election Commission has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a smooth polling process in the Himalayan region.

Among the candidates vying for seats are Sikkim Chief Minister and SKM leader Prem Singh Tamang, along with former CM and SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling, highlighting the significance of the electoral battle in the state.

Arunachal Pradesh is gearing up for its Assembly Election 2024, scheduled for April 19, 2024, to be held in a single phase.

The state assembly comprises 60 members, and currently, the Bharatiya Janata Party holds power, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

However, Arunachal Pradesh is set to witness simultaneous assembly elections. With 10 candidates already declared victorious without contest, the ruling BJP in Arunachal Pradesh is poised for a battle against its allies rather than the opposition Congress in the upcoming polling on Friday, where elections will be held for the remaining 50 Assembly constituencies.

Seeking to secure a consecutive second term, the BJP has fielded candidates in all 50 seats, while the struggling Congress, once the dominant force until 2016, is contesting in only 19 seats. Initially nominating 34 candidates, the opposition party saw only 19 filing their nominations, with most of them being new entrants into the political fray.

Addressing a presser ahead of the first phase of polling, the Chief Electoral Officer in Assam, Anurag Goel gave an overview. Voting is set to begin from 7 am and conclude at 5 pm tomorrow, he said.

A total of 35 candidates will contest from five Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam - Kaziranga, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh and Jorhat - in the first phase of polling on Friday. The total number of voters in the first phase is 86,47,869. Of these, 42,82,887 are male, 43,64,859 female and 123 voters of the third gender, the Assam State Election Commission said on Thursday.