Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 3: PM Modi, Akhilesh Yadav And Mallikarjun Kharge Urge People To Vote

Voting for the third phase of the 2024 India elections commenced at 7 am on Tuesday across 93 constituencies spanning 11 states and Union Territories. According to the Elections Commission of India (ECI), a total of 1,331 candidates are contesting in this phase.

The first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections took place on April 19, covering 21 states and Union territories. The overall voter turnout for this phase was approximately 61.1 per cent across all regions. In the subsequent second phase, the voters stood at 66.7 per cent. However, compared to the corresponding phases in the 2019 elections, there was a decrease of 3.3 percentage points in phase 1 and 2.5 percentage points in phase 2.

Photo Credit: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to all eligible voters participating in today's phase to cast their votes in large numbers. "Urging all those who are voting in today's phase to vote in record numbers. Their active participation will certainly make the elections more vibrant," PM Modi said in a post on X.

As per the SBI research, intense summer heat and heat waves may have deterred some voters from exercising their right to vote despite their willingness to do so.

The ECI has taken steps to address the heat at each polling station by providing amenities such as water, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), and shaded areas. These measures are intended to encourage voters to come out and cast their votes.

The national president of the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, is encouraging people to participate in the voting process in significant numbers. "To keep democracy and the constitution intact, come out of your homes in large numbers and cast your vote. One day of voting can be important for the whole life," reads his message on X. His wife, Dimple Yadav, is contesting from the Mainpuri seat in Uttar Pradesh. His encouragement reflects his love and support for her candidacy.

Meanwhile, the President of the Indian National Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, is also urging the public to vote in support of the grand party to safeguard the country from dictatorship.

He writes on X, "Vote to save Constitution,
Vote to protect Democracy! 11 Crore people in 93 Constituencies shall exercise their democratic right, not just to elect their representatives, but shall decide whether they want to secure their Constitutional Rights or witness our great nation veer towards Dictatorship. I sincerely urge you to choose Democracy, so that our Institutions can return to their independent form and are not pressed under the thumb of brute power. We are right in the middle of the battle."

According to an analysis by SBI Research, over 8.7 lakh additional voters participated in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections compared to 2019, marking an overall increase of 0.4 per cent.

The report highlights that although the voter turnout ratio is decreasing in 2024 compared to 2019, there has been a notable increase in the number of absolute voters. In 2024, a total of 20.7 crore voters cast their votes, compared to 20.6 crore in 2019, representing an increase of 8.7 lakh voters. The report suggests that these figures can improve in the remaining five phases with sincere efforts from the poll panel.

The upcoming phases are scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, with the results set to be announced on June 4.