Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise the franchise until 6:00 pm.
Congratulating the people of India, American diplomat, and the President of US-India Business Council (USIBC), Atul Keshap has said that the country's national election is the Maha Kumbh Mela of Democracy.
"Every person has faith in Modi ji, has faith in his work, has faith in what he says, and has seen him serve the people of the country for 10 years. We will all 25 seats," the Deputy CM said after casting her vote in Jaipur.
As of 9:30 am voter turnout percentages varied across states participating in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections with states like West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh leading the voter turnout charts.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and candidate from Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, O Panneerselvam on Friday casts his vote at a polling booth in Theni.
"Today is the first phase of voting! Remember, each of your votes is going to decide the future of Indian democracy and the coming generations. So come out and strengthen democracy by applying the power of your vote to the wounds inflicted on the soul of the nation in the last 10 years. D
"The fight to protect our Constitution and Democracy begins today. My dear citizens, from 21 States and UTs who are voting in the First Phase of the Lok Sabha elections, I request you to carefully cast your vote," he said in a post on X.
Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, Gaurav Gogoi on Friday urged the voters to vote in large numbers to save democracy and the culture of the country.
Appealing to the voters to vote in large numbers in the first phase of elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that people must elect a government that has shown determination to free the country from corruption, nepotism, and appeasement while fulfilling its promises.