Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voting Highlights: As Phase 1 records 62% polling, PM Modi thanks voters for ‘great response’

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Friday said that the party did not enter into any alliance with the BJP or the Congress because both the parties had cheated people, news agency PTI reported. Addressing an election rally in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Mayawati said that both Congress's and BJP's manifestos are weak, adding that the BSP was relying on the strength of Dalits, tribals, Other Backward Classes and Muslims while contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "After Independence, the Congress ruled the country and states with a casteist and capitalist approach. That party's words and deeds did not match," PTI quoted the former UP CM as saying. Mayawati also attacked the ruling BJP, saying that not even "one-fourth" of the party's guarantees had been implemented.

Uttar Pradesh witnessed a voter turnout of around 58 percent during Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday, wherein eight parliamentary constituencies in the state went to polls. As per the Voter Turnout app, a voter turnout of 54.68 percent was reported in Bijnor, 60.39% in Kairana, 58.25% in Moradabad, 54.91% in Muzaffarnagar, 59.17% in Nagina, 60.23% in Pilibhit, 52.42% in Rampur, and 63.29% in Saharanpur. The state's Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said that voting in most pollign stations concluded by 6 pm, adding that the exact folling figures will be provided on Saturday, PTI reported.

An elderly voter threw an electronic voting machine (EVM) on the ground during polling under Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections, demanding voting through ballot paper, news agency PTI reported. The incident took place at booth number 126 of the Jwalapur Inter College polling station in Haridwar, following which the 70-year-old voter was taken into custody, PTI quoted police officials as saying. The police further said that the EVM was a bit damaged but was not replaced as it continued to function.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said that the reports coming in from polling on the first day of Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections suggest that the BJP will be wiped out from western Uttar Pradesh. Addressing an election rally in Bukandshahr, He said that the ruling party's first show was a flop, adding that the people did not want to hear the BJP's narrative anymore.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Here's what Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) said while addressing a public rally in Bulandshahr.

"The voting in the first phase is underway and the reports coming in suggest that the BJP will be wiped out of Western UP. It… pic.twitter.com/WTm6el5Htb

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Delhi BJP will host a mega conclave of saints and seers at the IGI stadium in the national capital to mark the Hindu new year and the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, PTI quoted party leaders as saying. More than 31,000 devout Hindus, including 5000 saints and seers, will be gather at the event, with several Union ministers also expected to be in attendance.

The Congress on Friday urged the Election Commission to take note of the "flagrant and blatant violation" of the Model Code of Conduct by the BJP. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the ruling party was "using one particular issue on social media" to appeal to the voters. "This is a flagrant and blatant violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct, and also of numerous judgments of the Supreme Court," Ramesh said in a post on X. 

The BJP is using one particular issue on social media as an appeal to voters.

This is a flagrant and blatant violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct, and also of numerous judgments of the Supreme Court.

We hope…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 19, 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of inciting violence in the state during Ram Navami celebrations. Addressing an election rally at at Hariharpara, Banerjee said the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are like a "second battle for the country's independence."  "I love central forces. But I oppose using them as BJP members. I want to ask the EC why central forces are being used in Cooch Behar in such a way? How do you expect a free and fair election in such a situation? It is a matter of shame that the EC has become a BJP commission," PTI quoted her as saying at another rally in Jangipur.

Polling has ended in all 39 constituencies of Tamil Nadu on the first day under Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.  

Poll violence and allegations of electronic voting machines being damaged married the polling process in Manipur, a state that has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May last year.

There have been at least two incidents of gunfire close to polling stations in the Manipur valley. One person, identified as Khoisnam Sayamaima (65), received a bullet injury after an armed person opened fire at a polling station in Khurai in Imphal East, around 2 pm.

Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday filed nominations for the Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a rally before filing his nomination for the May 13 polls, Kishan Reddy said that the Congress had no moral right to seek votes without fulfilling the poll promises in Telangana. Taking a dig at the Bharat Rashtra Samiti, he said that the "BRS era" had ended in the state. Meanwhile, Owaisi offered Friday prayers at the Mecca Masjid before filing his papers for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a dig at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that the film of "do shehzade ki jodi" had been rejected by the people.  "The shooting of the film 'do shehzade ki jodi (a pair of princes)' is going on. But their film has already been rejected by people," PTI quoted PM Modi as saying. Modi also slammed the opposition for not attending the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. "The SP and the Congress declined the invitation for the Ram temple's consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. People hankering for vote banks refused the invitation for the ceremony. Instead, look at those who fought the Babri Masjid case in the Supreme Court but still participated in the consecration ceremony after losing the case," he said.

Sikkim, which is witnessing voting for its lone Lok Sabha seat, recorded a voter turnout of 52.73 per cent till 3 pm on Friday. The state, which has a total of 4.64 lakh voters, has 573 polling stations for the voting. Thirteen companies of CAPF have been deployed as part of the security measures during polling in Sikkim, news agency PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Lok Sabha elections this time around was for making India a global power in the next five years, news agency PTI reported. Addressing an election rally in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, he said that the country was in need of a stable and strong government given the prevailing situation globally. "The BJP government is making our defence forces self-reliant; India is exporting weapons to many countries. India is exporting BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines," he said.

Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Friday said that voters and polling agents were facing hooliganism across the state. Barman, who is also a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), said that although the Election Commission had succeeded in preventing "large-scale false voting" like in previous years, hooliganism at polling centers was going on unchecked. 

The West Tripura constituency witnessed a voter turnout of 68.11 percent by 3 pm, an official  from the Chief Electoral Officer's office said.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: 5 key battles will unfold in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election. The political ring faceoffs spread across from MP's Chhindwara to Maharashtra's Nagpur to Tamil Nadu's Chennai South and Coimbatore to Assam's Jorhat. Who are the candidates? Let us find out.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Luwangsangbam Mamang Leikai, Imphal East. Expressing his satisfaction with the commencement of the electoral process, Singh remarked, "I am delighted today that the first phase of elections is being held and I can cast my vote." He then added, "We have to make PM Modi the Prime Minister for the third time." 

Voting is underway amidst tensions and allegations of irregularities in the Inner Manipur constituency on Friday.

In at least, two locations, Uripok in Imphal West and Thongju in Imphal East, EVMs were destroyed.

In a video, Congress candidate Bimol Akoijam was seen having an argument with police personnel on duty in Imphal East, alleging that Congress polling agents in Kyamgei Heibing Makhong High School were threatened.

Voting is underway amidst tensions and allegations of irregularities in the Inner Manipur constituency on Friday. In this video, Congress candidate Bimol Akoijam is seen having an argument with police personnel on duty in Imphal East, alleging that Congress polling agents were… pic.twitter.com/2YtqRgXNxw

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) April 19, 2024

West Bengal Violence: The district of Cooch Behar in West Bengal is seeing a series of poll violence since the polling started. TMC and BJP workers have clashed in the Chandamari area where one TMC worker is reportedly injured. The central forces eventually stepped in to stop the clashes. In Sitalkuchi, TMC has alleged BJP workers of threatening the voters at the polling booth no. 286 at Chotosalbari which eventually led to violent clashes between TMC and BJP supporters. The BJP has however denied the allegations.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: According to the data released by the Election Commission of India the voter turnout in West Bengal till 1 pm was recorded at 50.96%. While it was 39.43% in Tamil Nadu, 44.18% in Madhya Pradesh and 45.68% in Manipur. 

Former Tripura Chief Minister and BJP's West Tripura Parliamentary constituency candidate Biplab Kumar Deb cast his vote at Udaipur English Medium Higher Secondary School in Gomati district and expressed confidence in his victory.

Former Chief Minister and CPIM politburo member Manik Sarkar cast his vote at Agartala and said he had a systematic voting experience and said if free and fair polls are ensured across the West Tripura Parliamentary constituency, then magical results will appear. However, speaking on opposition allegations of poll violations, he said voting rights have been looted in Tripura since 2018 and alleged that the ruling party is trying to force its way to victory.

According to a PTI report, armed miscreants reportedly entered a polling booth in Khongman, Imphal East, and engaged in proxy voting.

VIDEO | Manipur: Armed miscreants reportedly entered a polling booth in Khongman, Imphal East, and engaged in proxy voting. More details are awaited.#LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/vBZtm0rZlq

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

Opposition INDIA alliance candidate for West Tripura Parliamentary constituency Ashish Kumar Saha alleged blatant hooliganism during polling hours and said opposition polling agents were denied entry into polling centres and thrown out from few other polling booths where they could enter in the morning.

Meanwhile, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, who is a BJP candidate for by-poll at Ramnagar assembly constituency, denied opposition allegations and said polling is going on peacefully.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: In this picture, voters are seen waiting in a queue in front of a polling centre at Ramnagar in Agartala. 

The region falls within the jurisdiction of the West Tripura Parliamentary constituency, where polling is currently underway as part of the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. Concurrently, by-elections are taking place in the Ramnagar assembly constituency, coinciding with the initial phase of the Lok Sabha polls. This by-election follows the passing away of the sitting MLA, Surajit Dutta, in December of last year.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah filed his nomination from the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah to shortly file his nomination from the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat for the upcoming #LokSabhaElections2024

Congress has fielded its party secretary Sonal Patel from Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/6Yb86sSXQs

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: “The information that we are receiving from the booths (from Gaya, Jamui, Nawada and Aurangabad), there’s a one-sided contest. We are definitely going to win all 40 Lok Sabha seats from Bihar and this time the margin of victory will also be huge,” says LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Friday as the country goes to vote in the Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha elections 2024: “The information that we are receiving from the booths (from Gaya, Jamui, Nawada and Aurangabad), there’s a one-sided contest. We are definitely going to win all 40 Lok Sabha seats from Bihar and this time the margin of victory will also be… pic.twitter.com/eVEEmw1vu3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: The Election Commission on Friday issued a notice to TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma seeking an explanation over statements he made during a live session on social media Thursday evening, hours before the first phase of polling in the state. Debbarma was also asked to take down the post immediately.

The royal scion-turned-politician, whose TIPRA Motha is in an alliance with the ruling BJP in Tripura, reportedly asked people – during the live session – to reach polling centres early on Friday morning and cast their votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Without naming any political party, Pradyot said there is 'one party' which could form a government at the Centre and people should realise that they can get their demands fulfilled by the Government of India.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Congress Candidate from Cooch Behar Piya Roy Chowdhury cast her vote on Friday afternoon.

The Cooch Behar fight is essentially between sitting BJP MP Nishith Pramanik and the TMC’s Jagadish Chandra Burma Basunia — who lost from Sitai in the 2021 Assembly polls. Nitish Chandra Roy of the Forward Bloc (FB) is also in the race, in a “friendly fight” with ally Congress’s Pia Roy Chowdhury.

#WATCH | Cooch Behar, West Bengal: Congress Candidate from Cooch Behar Piya Roy Chowdhury casts her vote.

BJP has fielded Union Minister Nisith Pramanik from Cooch Behar constituency. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/8XbkPklnGv

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Congress leader Sachin Pilot casts his vote at a ‘zero-waste' polling booth in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

“People are liking our party, agenda, manifesto, and narrative. Congress party will win with more seats than BJP,” he said.

VIDEO | “People are liking our party, agenda, manifesto, and narrative. Congress party will win with more seats than BJP,” says Congress leader Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) after casting his vote at a ‘zero-waste' polling booth in Jaipur, Rajasthan.#LSPolls2024WithPTI… pic.twitter.com/qXnfwNfv4r

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: TMC leader Dr Santanu Sen on Friday accused the BJP of hooliganism during the voting in Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

"In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections, polling is underway on three seats in West Bengal-Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar...BJP has come to know that they are going to be badly defeated in these three regions, hence from the first hour they have chosen the path of hooliganism and in every area our TMC workers are being beaten...BJP knows that they are going to lose in these three constituencies from the first hour,” he said.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: TMC leader Dr Santanu Sen says, "In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections, polling is underway on three seats in West Bengal-Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar...BJP has come to know that they are going to be badly defeated in these three… pic.twitter.com/q5nsaQcShY

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: According to the data released by the Election Commission of India the voter turnout in West Bengal till 11 am was recorded at 33.56%. While it was 23.72% in Tamil Nadu, 20.46% in Madhya Pradesh and 27.64% in Manipur. 

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: According to the data released by the Election Commission of India, the voter turnout in Coochbehar, Alipurduars and Jalpaiguri till 11 am was recorded at 33.63%, 35.20% and 33.56% respectively. 

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Approximately 25.20% voter turnouts has been recorded on 8 Lok Sabha constituencies in UP till 11 am-

Bijnor- 25.50%

Kairana- 25.89%

Moradabad- 23.35%

Muzaffarnagar- 22.62%

Nagina- 26.89%

Pilibhit- 26.94%

Rampur- 20.71%

Saharanpur-29.84%

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Congress candidate from Saharanpur Lok Sabha seat Imran Masood today said, "The biggest thing is that there is no bitterness. Everything is being done with love. We will win the elections... Ram is not an election issue...Voting is underway to save the Constitution..."

In Saharanpur Imran Masood of Congress has filed his nomination papers, alongside sitting BJP MP Raghav Lakhan Pal. While there is no SP candidate on this seat, as it is the only seat in the first phase, which has been given to the Congress as part of the INDIA alliance, Mazid Ali is in the fray for the BSP.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Congress candidate from Saharanpur Lok Sabha seat Imran Masood says, "The biggest thing is that there is no bitterness. Everything is being done with love. We will win the elections... Ram is not an election issue...Voting is underway to save the… pic.twitter.com/VMtpYRZlqi

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: NCP leader Praful Patel arrived at a polling station in Gondia, Maharashtra, to cast his vote.

About Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha constituency: After 25 years, the Congress has fielded a candidate, Prashant Padole, in the Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha constituency in eastern Vidarbha region. The BJP has fielded sitting MP Sunil Mendhe from the seat.

In the last 25 years, the Congress always played the role of an alliance partner, leaving the Bhandara-Gondia constituency to the undivided NCP led by Sharad Pawar, with senior leader and former Union minister Praful Patel becoming the face of the Congress-NCP in Bhandara-Gondia. After the split in the NCP, Patel has aligned with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s faction.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Polls 2024: NCP leader Praful Patel (@praful_patel) arrives at a polling station in Gondia, Maharashtra, to cast his vote. #LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/FvaP7UV6C7

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio cast his vote at a polling booth in Kohima on Friday. 

Congress nominee S Supongmeren Jamir, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) candidate Chumben Murry and Independent Hayithung Tungoe Lotha are contesting the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland.

#WATCH | Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio casts his vote at a polling booth in Kohima. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/fVTvzLeS76

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: 

"We are celebrating the festival of democracy today. Everyone should vote, this is our fundamental right as well as duty. You can vote for anyone but casting your vote is important...I am 101% sure that I will win by a good margin," said Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari. 

About Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency: Nagpur, the home city of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is one of the crucial constituencies for political parties, as Maharashtra is the second largest seatholder in Lok Sabha.

Nagpur has consistently supported the saffron party in the past two Lok Sabha elections. In both 2014 and 2019, the Union Minister of Transport, Nitin Gadkari, emerged victorious from this constituency.

For the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Nitin Gadkari has once again filed his nomination seeking a third term, with Vikas Thakre from the Congress party (INC) as the opposition.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari says, "We are celebrating the festival of democracy today. Everyone should vote, this is our fundamental right as well as duty. You can vote for anyone but casting your vote is important...I am 101%… pic.twitter.com/zF9WsZnBEO

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: I am very confident that the DMK alliance - INDIA - will win on all 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Thoothukudi is one of them. The fight is between DMK and AIADMK," says DMK candidate Kanimozhi from Thoothukudi after casting her vote at a polling booth in Chennai.

Kanimozhi, who had contested from Thoothukudi in 2019, won by a massive margin of 3.47 lakh votes against BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan. Earlier, Kanimozhi served as a Rajya Sabha MP.

Express Report: Dalits to Nadars, the five caste groups driving Tamil Nadu polls

VIDEO | "I am very confident that the DMK alliance - INDIA - will win on all 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Thoothukudi is one of it. The fight is between DMK and AIADMK," says DMK candidate from Thoothukudi Kanimozhi (@KanimozhiDMK) after casting her vote at a polling booth… pic.twitter.com/waYd4RbpjZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: There were some reports of violence during the voting from West Bengal in the first phase of elections on Friday. While the BJP alleged that there was stone pelting by TMC workers in Chandamari to prevent people from casting their votes, the Trinamool Congress alleged that BJP members threatened people of Begarkata to stop them from casting their votes.

By 10 am both TMC and BJP have lodged over two dozen complaints each with the Election Commission for violence mostly in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today:  Over 15 per cent of 56.26 lakh voters of three Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal exercised their franchise till 9 am on Friday, an Election Commission official said.

In the first phase of elections, voting is underway in Cooch Behar, Alipurduars and Jalpaiguri seats.

(Voter turnout in Coochbehar is 15.26 % while that in Alipurduars and Jalpaiguri is 15.91 % and 14.13 % respectively)

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Voting for the Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency in Chhattisgarh began in the first phase on Friday, with 12.02 % of the electorate exercising their franchise in the first two hours.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Here is the voter turnout from 8 Lok Sabha constituencies of Uttar Pradesh

1. 12.1 percent voting till 9 am in Muzaffarnagar

2. 11 percent voting till 9 am in Saharanpur

3. 11.76 percent voting till 9 am in Moradabad

4. 9.2 percent voting till 9 am in Kairana

5. 13.9 percent voting till 9 am in Nagina

6. 13.36 percent voting till 9 am in Pilibhit

7. 9.3 percent voting till 9 am in Bijnor

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: Residents of Bakshpur village in UP's Pilbhit have boycotted polls over the issue of the administration closing a pathway. Police and administrative officials are currently at the spot to persuade residents not to boycott the polling process.

About Pilbhit Lok Sabha constituency: Pilibhit, one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in the largest Lok Sabha seat-holder Uttar Pradesh, is known for sending a woman to the Indian Parliament more than five times.

The BJP’s Jitin Prasada, the SP’s Bhagwat Saran Gangwar, and Anis Ahmed Khan from the BSP are in the political fray.

VIDEO | Residents of Bakshpur village in UP's #Pilibhit boycott polls over a local issue. Police, administrative officials at the spot to persuade residents not to boycott the polling process. #LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/nasjsXMxNg

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: While addressing a public rally in Amroha, UP, PM Modi spoke about cricketer Mohammed Shami (who belongs to Amroha) and said that while the Centre awarded him the Arjuna award the UP government is building a stadium for the youth in Amroha.

"The whole world has seen the amazing feat done by Mohammed Shami (who belongs to Amroha) in the Cricket World Cup. The Central Govt has given the Arjuna Award to Mohammed Shami for his excellent performance in sports and CM Yogi's government has taken 2 steps forward and is also building a stadium for the youth here. The Lok Sabha elections of 2024 are the elections of the future of the country. Your 11 votes in this election will ensure the fate of India."

#WATCH | While addressing a public rally in Amroha, UP, PM Modi says "...The whole world has seen the amazing feat done by Mohammed Shami (who belongs to Amroha) in the Cricket World Cup. The Central Govt has given the Arjuna Award to Mohammed Shami for his excellent performance… pic.twitter.com/F0AuBoNK3h

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: While addressing a public rally in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "Today, the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 elections is taking place. This is a big day for the festival of democracy. I want to appeal to all the voters to use their rights and cast their votes."

#WATCH | While addressing a public rally in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Today, the first phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 elections is taking place. This is a big day for the festival of democracy. I want to appeal to all the voters to use their… pic.twitter.com/07Z39YfBed

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: As the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections commenced on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone eligible to vote in record numbers. 

"The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 states and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!" he wrote in a post on X.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 States and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers. After all,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2024

"It is the festival of democracy today. Voting will be done today on a total of 102 seats in the country and 12 seats in Rajasthan including the Bikaner Lok Sabha seat. Today, a strong foundation of 'Viksit Bharat' will be laid," said Union Minister and BJP candidate from Bikaner Lok Sabha seat, Arjun Ram Meghwal. 

About Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency: It is historically known to be the stronghold of the Indian National Congress; however, after 1999, it failed to secure a win in the Indian Lok Sabha elections. On the other hand, the BJP won this seat four times in a row to establish its dominance from 2004 to 2019.

#WATCH | Rajasthan: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Bikaner Lok Sabha seat, Arjun Ram Meghwal says, "It is the festival of democracy today. Voting will be done today on a total of 102 seats in the country and 12 seats in Rajasthan including the Bikaner Lok Sabha seat.… pic.twitter.com/WCMDduvHr2

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Today: On Friday, April 19th, Google unveiled a special doodle to commemorate beginning of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in India. The doodle shows an index finger bearing the voting mark. 

For decades, India has used the ink, made primarily from silver nitrate, to mark voters after they have cast their ballot to prevent duplicate votes and fraud. When exposed to sunlight, the ink stains the skin and fingernails purple, lasts for about two weeks and is almost impossible to erase.

Founded in 1937, Mysore Paints And Varnish Limited is the only company authorised to produce the ink in India, which is preparing to hold general elections this year.