Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Live Updates: Violence in Bengal, blast in Chhattisgarh as Phase 1 of voting kicks off across 102 Lok Sabha seats (2024)

Click here to follow the latest updates on Phase 1 of voting for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 here: https://indianexpress.com/elections/lok-sabha-election-2024-voting-live-updates-phase-1-polling-today-election-commission-of-india-9279086/

While addressing a public rally in Amroha, UP, PM Modi alleged that the “INDI alliance spent time in making the villages and rural areas backwards.”

"BJP is moving ahead with a big vision and big goals for the villages and the poor. But the entire energy of the people of the INDI alliance is spent in making the villages and rural areas backwards. Areas like Amroha and Western Uttar Pradesh have suffered the biggest loss due to this mentality...The BJP government is building textile parks to promote the textile industry in the country. The garment industry of Amroha will also benefit from this. This will create more and more employment," he said.

#WATCH | While addressing a public rally in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "BJP is moving ahead with a big vision and big goals for the villages and the poor. But the entire energy of the people of the INDI alliance is spent in making the villages and… pic.twitter.com/kUT3R50bBS

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Polling commenced on Friday morning in five seats of Maharashtra for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. An official reported that approximately 7.3% of the over 95 lakh eligible voters had cast their ballots by 9 am

Among the 97 candidates contesting across Nagpur, Ramtek (SC), Bhandara-Gondia, Chandrapur, and the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) constituency, is Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. These constituencies are situated in the easternmost regions of the state.

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

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 BhagwatSaranGangwar, 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

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

On the polling day in Maoist affected Bastar region, about 500 meters from a polling booth in the Bijapur district an under Barel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) cell blast took place on Friday morning injuring a security personnel who was part of a team out on area domination exercise.

The incident took place in the Galgam area of Bijapur. The jawan is being evacuated from Bijapur for better treatment.

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

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)

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.

Manipur CM and BJP leader N Biren Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Imphal on Friday morning.

Polling is underway on Friday for the Lok Sabha elections to Inner Manipur and parts of Outer Manipur seats. Inner Manipur comprises 32 assembly segments while Outer Manipur has 15 segments.

As many as 18,091 internally displaced people will exercise their franchise across 85 special polling stations, a PTI report stated. In view of the elections, security has been tightened in the ethnic violence-hit northeastern state.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2023: Manipur CM and BJP leader N Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) casts his vote at a polling booth in Imphal.

Polling for the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on 102 seats spread across 21 states is underway.#LSPolls2024WithPTI… pic.twitter.com/eXOb8NC4kY

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

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 aRajya SabhaMP.

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

"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 theRashtriya 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 both2014and2019, theUnion Minister of Transport,Nitin Gadkari, emerged victorious from this constituency.

For the 2024 Lok Sabha elections,Nitin Gadkarihas once againfiled his nominationseeking a third term,withVikas Thakrefrom 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

Since Uttarakhand state came into existence, caste has wielded significant influence, not only in determining access to resources but also in shaping the electoral landscape of the state. It is palpable as all five Lok Sabha seats of the state go to the polls in the first phase on April 19.

Brahmins, Thakurs

Uttarakhand’s social and political structure tilts significantly towards some upper caste groups, with Brahmins and Thakurs constituting two of the largest voting blocs. Thakurs account for nearly 35% of the state’s population, closely followed by Brahmins at about 25%.

The numerical dominance of these castes translates into a delicate balance of power in leadership positions in the state. Since 2000, both theBJP and the Congress have consistently nominated either a Thakur or a Brahmin leader for the CM’s post. (Avaneesh Mishra writes)

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the two Lok Sabha MPs of the state, who are also candidates, cast their votes early this morning.

"I reached the booth at 6.30 hoping to vote first. But I was pleasantly surprised that there were many people before me. It is a healthy trend. Voting is a right of every citizen," said the chief minister who drove himself to reach the polling station.

The northeastern state has two Lok Sabha constituencies - Tura and Shillong. NPP's Agatha K Sangma and state Congress president Vincent H Pala are seeking re-election from Tura and Shillong seats respectively.

#WATCH | Tura, West Garo Hills: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma says "...When I reached the polling station around 6:30 AM, there were around 200 people present at the polling station, which is a good message that people are participating in the voting process enthusiastically...A… pic.twitter.com/3IOiNvmQ4H

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Voting was underway peacefully in Coochbehar, Alipurduars and Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal on Friday morning, an election official said.

"Polling during the first hour was peaceful. There was not a single untoward incident," the official said.

A total of 37 candidates are in the fray in the three constituencies in the northern part of the state.

(Express Photos by Partha Paul)

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin today cast his vote at a polling booth in Chennai on Friday.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief MK Stalin casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/IGyEcGD34I

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

As polling began in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged voters to strengthen democracy and open 'Mohabbat ki Dukaan' in every corner of the country by defeating hatred.

"Today is the first phase of voting! Remember, each and every vote of yours is going to decide the future of India's democracy and its generations," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on 'X'.

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— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 19, 2024

Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, Gaurav Gogoi on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Jorhat.

About Jorhar Lok Sabha constituency: While the constituency may be new to him as a candidate, it is another familiar one for his family. Tarun Gogoi was elected Jorhat MP thrice from 1971 onwards and he represented Titabor, one of the constituent Assembly segments, from 2001 till he passed away in 2020, and was Chief Minister for three of those terms.

The contest has become a prestige battle, a two-way fight between Gaurav and sitting MP Topon Gogoi of theBJP. The BJP leader is also a former MLA of Sonari, one of the Assembly segments of the parliamentary seat.

#WATCH | Assam: Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, Gaurav Gogoi casts his vote at a polling booth in Jorhat.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/8mX3tI4y9D

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Prime MinisterNarendra Modion Friday will hold public rallies inUttar Pradesh’s Amroha, Damoh in Madhya Pradesh and Wardha inMaharashtra.

Amroha, which will go to polls in the second phase on April 26, is one of the 16 Lok Sabha seats that theBJP lost in 2019. While BSP turncoat Danish Ali will be the Congress-SP candidate from here, the BJP has fielded Devendra Nagpal from the seat. Damoh and Wardha too go to polls in the second phase

After weeks of high-octane campaigning, the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls kicked off today, with as many as 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union territories set to vote in the first phase. Polling began at 7 am and will continue through the day till around 6 pm. The votes will be counted on June 4.

On the first phase of voting, Samajwadi party leader ST Hasan says, "This is the festival of democracy in which people cast their vote... Casting votes are required to save democracy and the Constitution...The kind of 'jumle' they (BJP) provide and messages they deliver is to fool people."

Speaking on PM Modi's rally today, he further adds, "...Election Commission should take the cognizance of the matter. I believe that this is not justified for free and fair elections."

About Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency: Muslims, who are a key SP vote bank, make up almost 47% of the 17 lakh voters in the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat, of which a sizable chunk are Pasmanda Muslims.

With theBJPmaking a focused push to woo Pasmanda Muslims, there is also possibility of a split in the Muslim vote, helping BJP candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar. In 2014, Kumar had in fact won Moradabad, defeating Hasan by over 87,000 votes. In 2019, the result was just the opposite, with Kumar losing to Hasan by around 97,000 votes, possibly due to the consolidation of Muslim votes as the SP and BSP were in alliance.

#WATCH | Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: On the first phase of voting, Samajwadi party leader ST Hasan says, "This is the festival of democracy in which people cast their vote... Casting votes are required to save democracy and the Constitution...The kind of 'jumle' they (BJP) provide… pic.twitter.com/sOPR081dQt

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

"'Pehle matdaan phir jalpaan', Today is the mega festival of democracy. I appeal to everyone to cast their votes and choose a good government. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has seen new heights in the last 10 years and our country has got global recognition Modi wants to create a strong India and a strong Uttarakhand" said Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami today.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says "...'Pehle matdaan phir jalpaan'...Today is the mega festival of democracy. I appeal to everyone to cast their votes and choose a good government. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has seen new heights in the last 10 years and… pic.twitter.com/h8eSvwjGWu

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal today said, "People will happily participate in this voting process... Congress should look at its condition, they are going to get fewer seats than before "

About Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency: Dibrugarhwill seeLurinjyoti Gogoi of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJB)who was the face of the anti-CAA protests in 2019-’20 lock horns against Union minister and former CM Sarbananda Sonowal.

Voters in Dibrugarh now face the option of choosing continuity, as emphasised by Sonowal — who was an Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MP from the seat between 2004 and 2009 — and the change advocated by Gogoi. (Read the full Express Report here)

#WATCH | Dibrugarh, Assam: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal says, "People will happily participate in this voting process... Congress should look at its condition, they are going to get less seats than before... "… pic.twitter.com/E2Off1fi6R

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

BJP candidate from Pauri Garhwal constituency Anil Baluni today said, "It is the biggest festival of the world's largest democracy and today is the day of voting... There is no competition anywhere. In my lifetime I have not seen such a one-sided election. All the people have made up their minds 'Abki baar 400 paar."

Congress has fielded its party leader Ganesh Godiyal from this seat.

Express Report: In Uttarakhand villages, defence dreams dented by Agnipath concerns, but BJP remains a ‘clear choice’

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: BJP candidate from Pauri Garhwal constituency Anil Baluni says, "It is the biggest festival of the world's largest democracy and today is the day of voting... There is no competition anywhere. In my lifetime I have not seen such a one-sided election. All the… pic.twitter.com/yffr85OLFN

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Actor Rajnikanth today casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Actor Rajnikanth casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/kdgb3ewP8p

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

The Lok Sabha elections get underway on Friday as the electorate in 102 constituencies in 21 states and Union Territories vote in the first phase. The polls begin after months of build-up that saw the BJP-led NDA underline its goal of winning more than 400 constituencies and run a campaign focused mainly on welfarism.

The INDIA alliance of Opposition parties, meanwhile, pushed back with attempts to unite against the BJP on issues such as raids and arrests of its leaders, the state of the economy, and the issue of federalism. (Liz Mathew writes)

Bhim Army founder Chandrashekhar Azad who is contesting from Nagina constituency in Uttar Pradesh today said,“People will vote (for him). It’s not Chandrashekhar who is fighting the election, it’s the people. When people fight election for their rights and development of their area (UP's Nagina), they can overthrow any dictator.”

About Nagina Lok Sabha constituency: One of the significant seats in Uttar Pradesh is Nagina, which is also the only reserved seat in the state set to vote in the first phase. Nagina has a dominant population of scheduled castes as well as Muslims. In 2019, the seat was won by BSP candidate Girish Chandra who defeated Yashwant Singh of the BJP by a margin of nearly 67,000 votes, but the entry of Bhim Army chief and Azad Samaj Party leader Chandrashekhar Aazad has changed the equations on this seat now as he is banking on his popularity among Dalit voters, especially youngsters. (Read More)

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: “People will vote (for him). It’s not Chandrashekhar who is fighting the election, it’s the people. When people fight election for their rights and development of their area (UP's Nagina), they can overthrow any dictator,” says Bhim Army founder… pic.twitter.com/WN2aqWomle

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

Tamil Nadu BJP chief and party's candidate from Coimbatore constituency, K Annamalai cast his vote at a polling booth in Uthupatti, Karur today.

About Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency: While much of the focus on Coimbatore has to do withthe BJP candidate being its state president K Annamalai,a polarising figure, the Dravidian parties in the fray have also fielded strong candidates.

The AIADMK candidate is 36-year-old “Singai” G Ramachandran who is banking to a large extent on the legacy of his late father “Singai” Govindaraju, a former party MLA. Ramachandran, an IIMAhmedabad graduate, rules out a three-way contest and directs his ire at the state BJP president.

Compared to the AIADMK and BJP candidates, the DMK’s “Ganapathi” P Rajkumar is neither vocal nor outspoken. He was with the AIADMK — he has a PhD on Jayalalithaa — and served as Coimbatore mayor from 2014 to 2016. (Click here to know more)

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu BJP chief and party's candidate from Coimbatore constituency, K Annamalai casts his vote at a polling booth in Uthupatti, Karur.

He faces DMK's Ganapathy P. Rajkumar in the constituency. pic.twitter.com/n3VCoyFkWE

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

As voting in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections began across the country, Congress leader & former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath said, "I have full faith in the people of Chhindwara. I have full hope that they will stand by the truth."

His son and Congress leader Nakul Nath is contesting from the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat.

About Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency: was the lone seat in Madhya Pradeshthat the Congress managed to win in 2019. This time, all eyes are on whether the party can retain it, especially in the face of achallenge being mounted to Chhindwara MP Nakul Nath, the son of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Over the past couple of months, theBJP state unit has gone all out to wean away Nath’s support bases and poach Congress loyalists, including three-time tribal MLA and sitting Chhindwara mayor Vikram Ahake. The party claims that 2,000 Congress leaders who were disgruntled with the Naths had joined the BJP. Nakul had won Chhindwara last time by a margin of 37,536 votes. (Read as to why Chhindwara could be Congress’s biggest hope — and fiercest challenge)

#WATCH | Chhindwara | Congress leader & former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath says, "I have full faith in the people of Chhindwara. I have full hope that they will stand by the truth."

His son and Congress leader Nakul Nath is contesting from the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat… pic.twitter.com/2La3i41ZoI

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Voting for two parliamentary seats in Meghalaya began at 7 am on Friday under stringent security measures, Chief Electoral Officer BDR Tiwari said.

The first five voters were rewarded with mementoes and first-time voters were also felicitated, encouraging them to exercise their franchise, he said.

"There is enthusiasm and voting is picking up. Reports are coming in that there are long queues in several polling stations across the state," Tiwari told PTI.

The NPP, which has been leading the ruling alliance for the last six years, is being backed by the BJP in both seats.

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.

PM has specifically called upon the young and first-time voters to come out in large numbers, emphasising that every vote counts and every voice matters.

"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!" the PM said 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, theBJPwon this seat four times in a row to establish its dominance from 2004 to 2019.

Arjun Ram Meghwal, the current sitting MP of Bikaner, won this seat in 2009, 2014, and 2019, making Bikaner a bastion of the BJP and will re-contest the Lok Sabha election 2024 for the fourth time against Congress’s Govind Ram Meghwal.

#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

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.

Congress leader and candidate from Sivaganga constituency, Karti P Chidambaram today said, "People are very unhappy with the BJP-led central government and people will vote out the BJP government and they will overwhelmingly vote for the INDIA alliance in Tamil Nadu.”

On the issue of electoral bonds, he said, "There has been a clear quid pro quo established with electoral bonds and the donations which the BJP has got. I am demanding an independent inquiry by three retired Supreme Court judges to go into the quid pro quo with electoral bonds,” he said.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Congress leader and candidate from Sivaganga constituency, Karti P Chidambaram, says, "People are very unhappy with the BJP-led central government and people will vote out the BJP government and they will overwhelmingly vote for the INDIA alliance in Tamil… pic.twitter.com/taTIcPu8oc

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

After months of build-up, the Lok Sabha polls get underway on Friday, with102 seats spread across 21 states voting. Eleven states and Union Territories will complete polling by the end of Friday, including all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, all five seats in Uttarakhand, 12 constituencies in Rajasthan, five in Maharashtra, and all seats in six Northeastern states and three UTs. The Assemblies in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also going to polls. Of the 102 seats, 18 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 11 for Scheduled Tribes.

In 2019, the parties that now constitute the INDIA bloc and the NDA (in its current configuration) each won 48 of these seats, with the unaligned BSP and AIADMK winning three and one seat, respectively. (Click here to read more)

BJP's South Chennai candidate Tamilisai Soundarajan has arrived at a polling booth in Saligramam, Chennai to cast her vote.

Daughter of ex-TN Cong chief Kumari Ananthan, Soundarajan had resigned as Telangana Governor, Puduch*erry L-G, before being fielded by BJP from Chennai South.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: BJP's South Chennai candidate Tamilisai Soundarajan arrives at a polling booth in Saligramam, Chennai to cast her vote.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/9PGQiaH23d

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

As the polling began at 7 am for 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union territories, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Alwar, Bhupender Yadav urged the citizens to vote in large numbers.

"Today is phase 1 (of polling), this is the time to vote. I urge everyone to vote in large numbers. Voting in large numbers is essential for democracy," he said.

Yadav, who has been a two-timeRajya Sabha MP, is in the Lok Sabha poll fray for the first time. The Union Minister has been among the keyBJPstrategists under theNarendra Modi-Amit Shahleadership and played a significant role in the BJP’s campaigns inUttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and most recently inMadhya Pradesh. His stature in the party is a significant talking point.

#WATCH | Rajasthan: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Alwar, Bhupender Yadav says, "Today is phase 1 (of polling), this is the time to vote. I urge everyone to vote in large numbers. Voting in large numbers is essential for democracy..."#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/UGg34nM3XS

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Congress leader P Chidambaram cast his vote at a polling booth in Sivaganga early this morning.

About Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency: One of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, the Sivaganga constituency has been the bastion of the Congress, with the electorate consistently voting for the grand old party, electing former finance minister and veteran Congress leader, P Chidambaram, for the seat seven times in the Lok Sabha of the Indian Parliament.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, the Sivaganga will witness stiff competition between the BJP’s Devanathan Yadav, Congress’s Karti P. Chidambaram, and AIADMK’s A. Xavierdas in thefirst phaseonApril 19, 2024, with the results being announced on June 4.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote at a polling booth in Sivaganga.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/9Aq8IfY5cT

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat today cast his vote in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Nagpur, the home city of theRashtriya 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 2014and2019, theUnion Minister of Transport,Nitin Gadkari, emerged victorious from this constituency.

For the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Nitin Gadkarihas once againfiled his nominationseeking a third term,withVikas Thakrefrom the Congress party (INC) as the opposition.

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat shows his inked finger after casting his vote in the first phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/rqZ2Fn0ZU1

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Voting for Assembly Elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim has begun. The polling is being simultaneous with the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.