Lok Sabha Polls Kick Off with Strong 60% Voter Turnout in Phase 1: Snapshot of Democracy

Over 60% voter turnout marked the first phase of Lok Sabha elections across 102 seats in 21 states and Union territories

The EC reported largely peaceful polling, with voters enduring extreme weather conditions to participate in the world's largest democratic exercise

Tripura saw the highest turnout at 79.90%, followed by West Bengal, Puducherry, Assam, and Meghalaya

Assembly elections were also held simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

The EC expects the voter turnout to rise as reports from all polling stations are collected until the end of the polling hour

The diverse turnout included first-time voters, newly-wed couples, and physically-challenged individuals, reflecting the inclusivity of the electoral process

Minor EVM glitches were reported in some states, while violence marred polling in West Bengal's Cooch Behar seat, with clashes between TMC and BJP workers

Despite challenges, strife-torn Manipur recorded an impressive turnout of 68.62%