Halfway through the first phase of the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, the northeastern states of India have recorded impressive voter turnout, with Tripura emerging as the frontrunner at 53.04% by 1 pm, according to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The robust participation in the northeast was reflected in states like Meghalaya (48.91%) and Manipur (46.92%) that also witnessed brisk polling activity. Among other states, West Bengal recorded an encouraging 50.96% turnout by the afternoon.
The Union territory of Lakshadweep recorded the lowest turnout at 29.91% by 1 pm.
Meanwhile, the BJP has lodged a complaint with the ECI alleging that its polling agent was denied entry into a booth in West Bengal’s Coochbehar constituency earlier in the day.
Nearly 1.87 lakh polling stations have been set up by the ECI across the country, and over 18 lakh personnel have deployed for conducting this mammoth electoral exercise spanning seven phases.
The second phase of election will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be conducted on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The results will be declared on June 4.
(Inputs from ANI)
