Polling in the sixth phase of General Elections 2024 which commenced across 58 PCs recorded an approximate voter turnout of 59.06% as of 7:45 pm Saturday.

In spite of hot weather in certain parts of the country, voters were undeterred in their enthusiasm as they were seen queuing up patiently to cast their votes across the country. A large number of voters were still in the queue at some polling stations at the prescribed time of closing of poll.

Polling in Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu and Kashmir was completely peaceful with a turnout of 52.28% as at 7.45 pm, which is highest in many decades. With this, the polling to the Parliamentary seats in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has concluded.

In the ongoing General Elections 2024, the three PCs in the valley, namely, Srinagar (38.49%), Baramulla (59.1%) and Anantnag-Rajouri (52.28% as of 7:45 PM) have recorded voter turnouts which is highest in many decades.

Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Jharkhand, NCT Delhi, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal were the states/UTs that went to polls in this phase. A total of 889 candidates were in the electoral fray.

Polling across all constituencies was held smoothly and peacefully, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a release.

CEC Rajiv Kumar and ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu also voted, along with their families in their respective polling stations. They kept a close watch on each and every aspect of the poll process and issued necessary directions, through the day. Stringent security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation.

The approximate voter turnout figures of 59.06% as of 7:45 PM will continue to be updated State/PC/AC wise on the Voter Turnout App of ECI. This will also give aggregate phase wise figures in addition to the State/PC/AC wise figures.

State-wise approximate voter turnout in phase - 6 (7:45 PM)
Sl. No. // State / UT // No. PCs // Approx. Voter Turnout (%_
1 Bihar // 08 // 53.30
2 Haryana // 10 // 58.37
3 Jammu and Kashmir // 01 // 52.28
4 Jharkhand // 04 // 62.74
5 NCT of Delhi // 07 // 54.48
6 Odisha // 06 // 60.07
7 Uttar Pradesh // 14 // 54.03
8 West Bengal // 08 // 78.19

As per the laid down procedure, scrutiny of election papers takes place one day after the polling day in the presence of candidates or their authorised polling agents. The decision to conduct a repoll, if any, is also taken. Some polling parties return after polling day depending on the geographical/ logistical conditions. The Commission will also, after the scrutiny and depending on the number/ schedule of repoll, publish the updated voter turnout figures by May 30.

In Odisha, 42 Assembly Constituencies went to polls simultaneously with the Parliamentary Constituencies. Scenes of colourful jubilation at having exercised their cherished franchise emerged from across the state which recorded a voter turnout of 60.07% as on 7:45 PM. The Commission’s concerted efforts to enrol and motivate PVTG voters came to fruition as they also posed with their inked fingers after casting their votes at Polling Stations in the coastal state.

With the conclusion of phase 6, polling for General Elections 2024 is now completed in 28 States/UTs and 486 PCs. Polling is also complete in General Elections for State Legislative Assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and 105 Assembly seats of Odisha State Assembly.

The next and last phase (phase 7) polling is scheduled on June 1 in 57 PCs in 8 states/UTs.