Lok Sabha Elections Phase 5 Voting Highlights: Over 57% Voter Turnout Recorded As Polling Concludes; J&K Sees Highest Turnout In 40 Years

• With the fifth phase polling today, India is just two more phases away from the big day of votes counting, June 4. As many as 49 constituencies across 8 states and Union Territories are going to the polls.

• A total of 695 candidates are in the fray for the fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and around 9.47 lakh Polling officials will welcome over 8.95 crore voters across 94,732 polling stations.

• The Lok Sabha elections 2024 are taking place in seven phases in total. The first four phases took place on April 19, April 26, May 7 and May 13. With the fifth phase taking place today, May 20, only two more phases remain -- May 25 and June 1.

• Voters will exercise their franchise in 5 seats in Bihar, 4 in Jharkhand, 13 in Maharashtra, 5 in Odisha, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, 7 in West Bengal and 1 each in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Additionally, 35 Assembly constituencies in Odisha are also going to polls today.

Voting for the Phase 5 of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on Monday, May 20, will begin at 7 am in 49 constituencies across 8 states and Union Territories.

The states that are going to polls in Phase 5 are: Bihar, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

The schedule for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 was announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 16. Voting for Lok Sabha elections 2024 is taking place in seven phases and started on April 19. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

While voting for Phase 1 took place on April 19, second phase on April 26, third on May 7, fourth on May 13 and that or the fifth phase is taking place today, May 20, and polling for Phase 6 and 7 will take place on May 25 and June 1 respectively.

• Phase 1/April 19 - 21 states/UTs - 102 constituencies

• Phase 2/April 26 - 13 states/UTs - 88 constituencies

• Phase 3/May 7 - 12 states/UTs - 12 constituencies

• Phase 4/May 13 - 10 states/UTs - 96 constituencies

• Phase 5/May 20 - 8 states/UTs - 49 constituencies

• Phase 6/May 25 - 7 states/UTs - 57 constituencies

• Phase 7/June 1 - 8 states/UTs - 57 constituencies

Lok Sabha Elections Full Schedule Here

A total 695 candidates are in the fray in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The bigwig politicians who are contesting the polls today are Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (UP's Raebareli), Chirag Paswan (Bihar's Hajipur), Karan Bhusha Singh (UP's Kaiserganj), Rohini Acharya (Bihar's Saran) and Union Ministers Smriti Irani (UP's Amethi), Rajnath Singh (UP's Lucknow), and Piyush Goyal (Maharashtra's Mumbai North).

The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, which took place on April 19, saw a voter turnout of 66.14 per cent.

Phase 2 on April 26 recorded a voter turnout of 66.71 per cent.

Phase 3 general elections on May 7 witnessed a voter turnout of 65.68 per cent while Phase 4, on May 13, saw a voter turnout of 69.16 per cent.

Polling for the fifth phase of the General Elections 2024 is taking place today, May 20, across 49 constituencies in 8 states and Union Territories. While 35 Assembly constituencies in Odisha will also go to polls today.

A total of 2000 Flying Squads, 2015 Static Surveillance Teams, 881 Video Surveillance Teams and 502 Video Viewing Teams are keeping a check round the clock to ensure a smooth polling day for voters and officials.

As many as 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts are also in place to maintain strict vigil.

Tight security arrangements have been made, with the deployment of over 33,000 personnel, for elections to five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha on Monday, officials said.

A total of 40 candidates are in the fray for the five Lok Sabha seats, while 265 nominees, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, will try their luck in the 35 assembly segments.

Apart from Patnaik, major contestants whose electoral fate would be decided on Monday include around half-a-dozen Odisha ministers, BJP's sitting MPs Jual Oram and Sangeeta Singh Deo, BJD MP Achyut Samant and former Indian Hockey captain Dilip Tirkey.

"With the IMD predicting heat wave conditions on May 20, adequate drinking water, ORS and essential medicines will be made available at each polling station. Besides, paramedical staffers, ASHA workers, ambulances and mobile health units will also be deployed," said State Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal.

With the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 just around the corner, the Election Commission of India has started issuing voter slips and sending them to the houses of eligible voters. However, not all eligible voters have received their voter slips.

With several voters yet to receive their voter slips, a common question arises - can I still cast a vote in the elections without a slip?

The answer is YES. Eligible voters can vote without the slips if their name is mentioned on the electoral roll. Know More On This And Other Election FAQs Here

As many as 17.37 lakh eligibile voters will exercise their franchise in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha seat today, with political observers expecting a high turnout on the back of the huge crowds that thronged election rallies and roadshows.

The first major political battle post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 will decide the fate of Omar Abdullah, the National Conference vice-president and a former chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, and 21 others in the fray.

Abdullah faces the biggest challenge from separatist-turned-politician and former minister Sajad Lone, who heads the People's Conference. The blazing campaign trail witnessed the rivals going full throttle against each other and even bringing in the BJP to target each other despite the saffron party not contesting from any of the three parliamentary seats of Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri in the Valley.

However, it is the presence of jailed Awami Ittehad Party leader and former MLA Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid that has spiced up the contest.

Taking to X, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Respected fellow voters, Tomorrow is the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. I appeal to all of you to please vote."

"Your invaluable vote will become the foundation of 'Strong-Safe India' and will realise the resolve of 'Developed India'. Remember- first vote-then have refreshment!" he added.

Preparations for voting for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 phase-5 are underway at a polling booth in West Bengal's Howrah.

Mock polling has begun at several polling booths ahead of voting for the Phase-5 of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The process has begun at a polling booth in Bihar's Hajipur and Chhapra and Odisha's Rourkela.

As the Lok Sabha elections enter the fifth phase, some prominent faces are in the fray. From Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Rajnath Singh, several constituencies across India are gripped in fierce battles to choose their representatives for the next five years.

Read more about the key candidates in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections Here.

Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha Elections are scheduled to begin today. As the polling for the general elections nears its end, a total of 49 constituencies across eight states will be heading to the polls to choose their candidates.

The voting across all 49 seats is scheduled to begin at 7 AM. Polling usually concludes at 5 PM, but due to the rising temperatures, the timings have been extended till 6 PM for the 2024 general elections.

Check full list of constituencies that are going to poll today Here.

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday stressed on the need for conducting a caste census in the country to ensure social and economic equality.

He said what the North East Delhi constituency requires the most is "Hissedari Nyay" which talks about addressing historical injustices and empowering marginalised communities.

"For social and economic equality, it is necessary to count every every person and every class. Because, the OBC community, with whose support BJP leaders became MPs, are being ignored," Pilot said.

Fighting the Lok Sabha elections from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday assured displaced Kashmiri Pandits of her party's support in their return and rehabilitation in the valley, provided they "demonstrate boldness and come back to their homes".

The former chief minister said that no government at the Centre can rehabilitate the community on its own and if the elderly Kashmiri Pandits "take risk" and return, their children will follow.

"Today it is the BJP, maybe tomorrow Congress will come to power in Delhi but any party that is in power can never pick you up and take you to Kashmir. That is not going to happen and you have to show boldness on your part for your return to your homes in the valley and we will also support you," she said.

Mock polling is underway at several polling booths across the 49 constituencies including North Central Mumbai's Bandra West, UP's Raebareli, Odisha's Patnagarh, Lucknow and Ladakh.

Final preparations and mock polling is underway at a polling booth in West Bengal's Sreerampur Lok Sabha constituency.

TMC has fielded Kalyan Banerjee against BJP's Kabir Shankar Bose and CPI(M)'s Dipsita Dhar from this seat.

Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, speaking to news agency ANI, said, "The first four phases of the Lok Sabha elections have been amazing. Seeing from the point of view of the BJP, we have already won more than 270 seats. In the fifth phase of the elections, I see one-sided support for the BJP, especially in the 14 seats of UP, including Raebareli... I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote... This election is historic."

In an attempt to boost voter turnout during polling for the Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections today, Mumbai city has several enticing offers lined up.

- Commuters of Metro Line 2A and 7 are set to get a special discount of 10 per cent today, while those of Mumbai Metro commuters -- using Mumbai One Card, Paper QR, Paper Tickets -- will also get to travel to and from polling stations with 10 per cent discount.

- The Mumbai Chapter Of NRAI (National Restaurant Association of India) has announced 'Democracy Discount' campaign. This offers them a special 20 per cent discount on dine-in bills total amounts at more than 108 eateries across Mumbai on May 20 and 21, News18 report said.

Ahead of the polling for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 Phase-5, BJP MP and Barrackpore candidate Arjun Singh has alleged that TMC candidate Partha Bhowmick has violated all poll rules and "distributed money last night".

"...We will try to have peaceful elections but if that doesn't happen, government would be responsible for it," Singh added.

"A complaint has already been made to the Election Commission...If such things keep happening, it will not be good for Partha Bhowmick," the BJP MP said.

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) from South Mumbai, Yamini Jadhav, appealed to voters saying, "I would like to give a message to everyone that your vote should go to someone who works and does development. The Constitution has provided you the right to vote and exercise your franchise."

She has been fielded against Sena UBT's Arvind Sawant.

In phase 5, Odisha is witnessing polling on 35 Assembly and five Lok Sabha seats. The voting for the 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly seats of Odisha were scheduled for the final four phases.

Check key candidates and other details Here.

Congress candidate from Uttar Pradesh's Amethi Lok Sabha seat, KL Sharma, said, "Whatever is there in mind of the people, they will vote according to it... When people start fighting, then you cannot mislead people by making false promises... They need to talk about inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure... We have fought the election positively."

"The other day Rahul Gandhi assured me of a result similar to that of Raebareli and that gave me confidence," Sharma added.

Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's South Mumbai candidate Yamini Jadhav cast vote and showed the indelible ink mark on her finger afterwards.

BSP chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati cast her vote at a polling station in Lucknow.

"I appeal to everyone to come out and cast their votes...I request all political parties to prioritise the issues of development and the welfare of the people. Whether it is the BJP or Congress, all the parties say that they are forming the Govt but everything will be clear when the results are announced," she said.

BJP candidate from Howrah Lok Sabha seat, Rathin Chakraborty, cast his vote for the 2024 general elections at a polling booth in the constituency.

He is contesting against Trinamool Congress' sitting MP Prasun Banerjee from this seat.

Former Union Minister and BJP MLA candidate from Rourkela Assembly constituency in Odisha said, "I have always cast the first vote here in this booth. I appeal to the voters to come out and cast their votes. BJP is forming its govt in the Centre and also in Odisha."

After casting his vote for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai, actor Akshay Kumar said, "I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right...I think voter turnout will be good..."

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar urged voters to come out and cast their votes. He also noted that security personnel were deployed at the polling stations on Sunday itself, adding that Mumbai Police will be on alert.

He also said that "this is a very big day. Polling is being held in 6 Parliamentary constituencies of Mumbai. Voters are arriving peacefully and casting their vote."

Ayodhya sitting MP and BJP candidate Lallu Singh cast his vote for the Lok Sabha elections and said, "People are voting for Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ayodhya and to make PM Modi the PM for the third time..."

BJP MP and candidate from Hooghly, Locket Chatterjee, said, "Everything is going on fine...There were threats at 2-3 places...EVM machines are not working at a few locations but work is going on those...I am here at Dhaniakhali and the situation is good..."

"Voting is being done against corruption...We hope that the EC will have a free & fair election here," she added.

Chatterjee is contesting against TMC's Rachna Banerjee and CPI(M)'s Manadip Ghosh.

Shiv Sena (UBT)'s South Mumbai candidate Arvind Sawant exuded confidence and said, "I am amazed by the love people have given me. 100% I will score a hat-trick (of victory)."

Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar said, "I appeal to the voters to participate in this festival of democracy that comes after every five years. ECI has made good arrangements and people should follow ECI's guidelines... I have seen enthusiasm in people for the BJP, especially in the roadshow of PM Modi. Mahayuti will win all the six seats (in Mumbai)..."

Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti cast her vote at a polling station in Hamirpur. She said, "Voting is important in a democracy. This is a national festival and people have the right to choose their representative. I appeal to people to come out and vote for the development of the nation and also for the conservation of the spiritual and religious heritage of the country...'Jo Ram ko laaye hain. hum unko laayenge'."

A voter was reportedly arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday in connection with a viral video purportedly showing him casting multiple votes in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate at a polling booth.

The accused, identified as one Rajan Singh, was arrested after several leaders of the opposition parties, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, shared the video of the incident on the microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Read More

BJP's Raebareli candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in the constituency.

After casting his vote, Singh said, "There is no confusion that Lotus is blooming in Amethi and Raebareli...Rahul Gandhi is taking the name of his grandmother, father but he is not talking about his grandfather."

Singh is contesting against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from this seat.

LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and Hajipur candidate Chirag Paswan said, "My father has been a representative from Hajipur since 1977. I am hopeful that I get the same kind of love my father got from the people of Hajipur. Development and my father's name have been synonyms in Hajipur. I will make sure to work for the development of Hajipur."

"NDA is crossing 400 seats in the country whereas INDI alliance will be at its all-time low, especially Congress," Chirag added.

Union Minister and BJP's Mumbai North candidate Piyush Goyal cast his vote at a polling station in Mumbai.

Congress has fielded Bhushan Patil against Goyal from this seat.

RJD Saran candidate Rohini Acharya said, "This is the festival of democracy. I urge all voters to exercise their right to vote...He (BJP candidate Rajiv Pratap Rudy) is my uncle, I am seeking his blessings. I am sure he is proud of me and will bless me today."

After casting his vote for the 2024 general elections, Union Minister and BJP Mumbai North candidate Piyush Goyal said, "The fifth phase of polling is underway in Mumbai and the rest of the country. Just like PM Modi said everyone should take part in the festival of democracy...I believe that the people of Mumbai will come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote."

"This election has given me the opportunity to meet several people and take their blessings. Being a Mumbaikar, the way people have hosted me is a wonderful feeling...My family members have come from abroad to exercise their right to vote," Goyal added.

BSP National general secretary Satish Chandra Misra appealed to voters and asked them to "come out and vote today if you wan to protect the constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar."

"We are contesting well and we hope that the result will be good as well... SP and Congress are working as 'B team' (of the BJP) and not us. They are trying to harm the BSP to benefit the BJP," he added.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, after casting his vote, appreciated the arrangements made at the polling booth in Mumbai and congratulated the Election Commission of India for the smooth voting process.

"It's a very proud moment for every Indian. It's a moment of pride to participate in an election of 140 crore people. The process of voting today was very smooth and I would like to congratulate the Election Commission of India and all the officials who have been working throughout the country. It's really a moment of pride for every indian to vote in these elections. I appeal to every voter to come out and vote," he said.

Veteran actress Shobha Khote cast her vote for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections at a polling booth in Mumbai. She said, "I have voted for the right candidate. I did not opt for home-voting and voted here so that people get inspired and come out and vote..."

Urging citizens to cast their votes for the Lok Sabha elections, JKNC vice president Omar Abdullah said, "I hope that people will use their votes. The biggest power in a democracy is the people's voice, people's votes. I appeal to the people of Baramulla to come out and cast their votes."

"I have always been saying that making claims like a huge number of tourists are coming and there is normalcy is not good. By this, we are putting tourists' lives in danger. If protection cannot be provided to the tourists, we should refrain from making such claims," he added.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Ujiarpur seat, Nityanand Rai, said, "NDA will win all 40 seats of Bihar. INDI alliance will not get even a single seat in Bihar... At his seat, Chirag Paswan will win with a margin of over 5 lakhs."

Several actors were seen in queue to cast vote in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024, which is taking place in 49 constituencies, including all seats of Maharashtra's Mumbai.

Actor Akshay Kumar, after casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai, said, "...I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right...I think voter turnout will be good..."

The Election Commission on Monday removed a BSF personnel from poll duty in Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency following a complaint of molestation against him, an official said. A woman lodged the molestation complaint at Uluberia Police Station on Sunday evening, he said.

Hockey India president and BJD candidate from Odisha's Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat Dilip Turkey cast his vote at a polling booth in the constituency.

BJP has fielded its sitting MP Jual Oram while Congress has fielded Janardan Dehury from this seat.

Congress Mumbai North Central candidate Varsha Gaikwad cast her vote a polling booth in Mumbai. She is contesting against BJP's Ujjwal Nikam from this seat.

5T Chairman and BJP leader VK Pandian exuded confidence over his party's win and said that "BJP will sweep the second phase of elections."

BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh cast his vote at a polling station in Kaiserganj. BJP has fielded his son Karan Bhushan Sharan Singh from this seat.

BJP MP and candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani, cast her vote for the Lok Sabha elections at a polling booth in the constituency. Congress has fielded KL Sharma against Irani from this seat.

"Today it is my good fortune that I have cast my vote in my village Gauriganj with the resolve of a Viksit Bharat. I appeal to the people to cast their vote. It is our responsibility towards the future of our country," she said after casting her vote.

Maharashtra has overall recorded a voter turnout of 6.33 per cent till 9 am. Here is a seat-wise voter turnout:

• Bhiwandi - 4.86%

• Dhule - 6.92%

• Dindori - 6.40%

• Kalyan - 5.39%

• Mumbai North - 6.19%

• Mumbai North Central - 6.01%

• Mumbai North East - 6.83%

• Mumbai North West - 6.87%

• Mumbai South - 5.34%

• Mumbai South Central - 7.79%

• Nashik - 6.45%

• Palghar - 7.95%

• Thane - 5.67%

Several Bollywood actors including Anita Raj, Aamir Khan's daughter Ira and son Junaid, Suniel Shetty, Govinda and Rahul Bose cast their votes at polling booths in Mumbai.

LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and candidate from Hajipur Chirag Paswan said, "Whenever it is an important day, I come to seek blessings of Mahadev. I am his devotee...Whatever I am today is all due to his blessings...All that I have has been given by Him. There was a time when everything was snatched away from me. I would be greedy if I would want anything more after that. Whatever I got is enough."

Union Defence Minister and BJP Lucknow candidate Rajnath Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in the constituency.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena supremo Eknath Shinde said, "The work that Shrikant Shinde has done is in front of the people and I think they are going to vote for him to bring him back to power for the third time. Everyone should cast their votes. I can see people coming out of their houses to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of the country again."

Actor Randeep Hooda cast his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai and said, "I have voted for the future of our country and my future. Everyone should do this. Do cast your vote and may the best man win."

In an interview with news agency PTI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he has "never spoken a word against minorities".

"I am speaking against the vote bank politics of Congress. I am speaking on the Congress working against the Constitution. The Constitution makers of India, including Babasaheb Ambedkar and Pandit (Jawaharlal) Nehru, decided that reservation will not be given on the basis of religion," he said.

Modi further added that "Now that you are turning away from that, it is my responsibility to expose them. BJP is never against the minority.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he does not know what "brand" is and neither does he know about its working.

In an interview with PTI, he said, "People see Modi’s life and his work. A person, who has worked as CM of a state for 13 years and as PM for 10 years… and his 100-year-old mother spends her last days in a government hospital, then that country doesn’t need a brand; the country can understand that (my) life is somewhat different."

"The biggest accusation that I faced in my entire tenure… one day, Amarsinh Chaudhary (former Gujarat CM) alleged that Modi has 250 pairs of clothes. That day I had a public meeting, where I said that I accept this accusation, but either the zero (in 250) is wrong, or number ‘2’ is wrong; still I accept the accusation," he added.

Modi said, "Then I asked the public… do they want a CM who steals Rs 250 crore or a CM who has 250 clothes? The public of Gujarat said in one voice: ‘the CM with 250 clothes will work’. After that, they did not have the courage to level accusations. Secondly, I have told the people of this country that I will never do anything with bad intention."

After casting his vote for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, singer Kailash Kher said, "...I want to say that India is changing and you (people) are responsible for this. I want you to keep working in the national interest."

Addressing an election rally Angul, PM Modi said that Odisha will get a double-engine government for the first time.

"I am pained to see so much poverty in Odisha despite state being rich with natural resources," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence over BJP's victory and said, "We will win the elections (Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha) on the basis of public trust."

In an interview with PTI, he said, "Despite it being said that we don't have any big face in Odisha, the fact is that BJP is the second largest party in the (Odisha) Assembly. Even in Lok Sabha (referring to seats in Odisha), we have been at No. 2. My party has worked very hard to go from No. 2 to No. 1 in (ongoing) Lok Sabha polls. The intensity of negative vote (against the BJD government) is high and hence, it is difficult for them to survive."

Prime Minister Narendra, in an interview with news agency PTI, said, "Our strategy is the same for the entire country – ‘Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar’ and ‘4 June, 400 Paar’; so there is no difference in it on the basis of states. Look at the 2019 (Lok Sabha) elections, the largest party even then in the South was BJP. Again, I say this: the largest party in the South this time will be BJP, and its allies will add more (seats) to it."

PM Modi, addressing an election rally in Angul, said, "Handful of corrupt persons have grabbed Odisha CM''s office, residence."

"BJP will make a son or daughter of the soil as Odisha chief minister," he added.

BJP MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi cast his vote at a polling booth in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.

"I would like to tell all citizens of the country to definitely exercise their franchise. Voting is your right as well as duty...Vote for Viksit Bharat, secure Bharat, prosperous and proud India," he said.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "The right to vote is a very sacred and valuable right. Your one vote will develop the country, take the country towards becoming a superpower, becoming self-reliant. Everyone should come out and cast their votes. People want Modi ji to become the Prime Minister again..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told PTI that Congress wants to give religion-based reservation, adding that he will "never" let it happen.

PM Modi said that even if he acts out of self-interest, his own welfare lies in welfare of Constitution.

An argument broke out between BJP MP Locket Chatterjee and a person claiming to be a polling agent at a polling station in Dasghara High School under Hooghly Lok Sabha seat.

Chatterjee alleged that he was a TMC agent and later she took him out of the polling station.

"He was a TMC agent and does not have any documents. He went inside the booth and kept asking people to vote for TMC. Police are not doing anything," she said.

Union Minister and BJP candidate Bharati Pravin Pawar cast her vote at a polling booth in Maharashtra's Nashik.

After casting his vote for the Lok Sabha elections, actor Anupam Kher said, "Today is the festival of democracy and we should come out and vote to elect our government for the next 5 years..."

After casting his vote for the Lok Sabha elections, musician Vishal Dadlani said, "Mumbai is the financial capital of the country. It is the responsibility of Mumbaikars to come out and show the path to the rest of the country. This is our chance to vote for the people who have worked for you. I request everyone to come out and cast their votes..."

Union Minister and BJP Dindori candidate Bharati Pravin Pawar said, "I am happy that India presents an example before the world that we are the land of the strongest democracy when we celebrate the festival of democracy."

"I think our journey is going towards what PM Modi has taken a resole for, that is Viksit Bharat. 'Janta ne ye thaan liya hai, jantaa ne ye maan liya hai-fir ek baar Modi sarkar, ab ki baar 400 paar'," she added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "The arrangements could have been better. People have been standing here since 7:30 am and it's 10:30 am when they have registered their vote. I also continue to be in the queue because I believe it is important that our democracy and Constitution should prevail over everything else."

After casting his vote for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, actor Manoj Bajpayee said, "It is the biggest celebration of democracy. You get this change to elect your leader only once in five years. I appeal everyone to use your rights because you will get this change again after five years and for those five years, you will not have to right to complain."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview to news agency PTI, said, "It is very important for the Opposition to be successful in democracy. But, it is my experience from 2014 to 2024 that unfortunately our country's Opposition has failed in its role; they are not able to contribute; they are not doing anything except creating ruckus."

" We were just two people in the Parliament, but we (BJP) played the role of a capable Opposition. Without any stalwart leader, we registered our presence in the history, because we are people who do constructive work, we don't have destructive mindset," he added.

The PM said, "Unfortunately, Congress is stuck in such a situation today that it is not ready to accept the government of any other party. They are not ready to accept that the country has elected some other government, they are not ready to accept that someone else is the prime minister and it’s been 10 years now. Till the time they have this psychological problem, they cannot think positively."

Long queues of voters awaiting their turn to cast a vote were seen at a polling booth in Baramulla.

SSP Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure, said, "Voting is going on well. People have come out in large numbers. We have ensured adequate security arrangements so that people can vote without any fear."

The constituency is witnessing a contest among NC's Omar Abdullah, PDP's Mir Mohammad Fayaz and JKPC's Sajad Lone.

Union Minister and RPI(A) president Ramdas Athawale casts his vote at polling booth in Andheri's Shastri Nagar in Mumbai.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, after casting his vote in Mumbai, said, "They (people) must make the effort unless somebody is very seriously ill. But I think they must make the effort to cast the vote because it is their government and their vote is going to be important."

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader Milind Deora said, "This is the first time in 45 years that our family is not contesting the elections from the South Mumbai seat. In a way, it's a bit of a strange feeling."

"I appeal to the voters that India is the largest democracy in the world, everyone is proud of it. To make this democracy stronger, there is only one process which comes before us once in 5 years, this opportunity is voting," he added.

Addressing a public rally in Odisha's Cuttack, PM Modi said, "Media have started saying that there will be a hung assembly, that's not true, BJP will form the govt in Odisha...If something that BJD has given to Odisha, it has given Land mafia, Sand mafia, Coal mafia and Mining mafia..."

JKPC chairman and candidate from Baramulla Sajad Lone cast his vote at a polling station in Handwara. He said that he is "very confident".

Indian engineer and innovator Sonam Wangchuk cast his vote at a polling booth in Ladakh.

He said, "I have just voted and I am happy. I am also feeling sad because many people don't exercise right to vote. Many leaders sacrificed a lot for this country. People should celebrate the festival of democracy."

In his interview to news agency PTI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I was not born to 'become' (PM); I was born to do something, and my mission is to make my country 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047."

Actor Konkona Sen Sharma cast her vote at a polling booth in Mumbai. "I feel very good after casting my vote. I love my country and it is my democratic right as a citizen. We all should vote," she said.

Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav cast his vote for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai.

Taking to X, he said, "Let's shape the future of our nation by casting our vote today."

Scattered incidents of violence marred the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls in seven parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal on Monday, as TMC and BJP workers clashed in various parts of Barrackpore, Bongaon, and Arambagh seats.

Although the poll panel has claimed that the polling has been peaceful so far, it said it has received 1,036 complaints until 11 am from different political parties alleging EVM malfunctioning and agents being stopped from entering booths.

Clashes broke out between supporters of TMC and BJP in Khanakul area of Arambagh constituency as both parties clashed over stopping polling agents from entering the booths.

Two live crude bombs were also recovered from the area by security personnel.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "PM Modi keeps on saying anything. Unemployment, poverty, inflation have increased. There was no special status to Bihar. There was no special package. He didn't take meeting over floods in Bihar. What have 39 MPs did in Bihar? He doesn't speak on issues. People want to remove him. We are winning election."

Cricket veteran and ECI national icon Sachin Tendulkar, after casting his vote in Mumbai, said, "I am the national icon of ECI. I was involved in many initiatives for raising awareness and the importance of casting a vote. Problems happen because of two reasons, one is when you act without thinking and second is when you keep thinking and don't act. I would like to urge everyone to come and cast their vote."

Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal, along with his family members, cast vote at a polling booth in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.

"Voting is our fundamental right which we should use with great joy and enthusiasm. I would appeal to all the citizens of Lucknow to come out of their homes and cast their vote," Sehgal said.

Nykaa founder and CEO Falguni Nayar casts her vote in Mumbai and said, "I would like to urge everyone to come and support whichever candidate they want to vote for. It is very important that we exercise both, our right and obligation, today."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with PTI, said, "It is not about my belief. To campaign without logic is a sin. I have never committed such a sin, nor do I want to. Such an illogical campaign has been done by them (Congress)."

"The day their manifesto was released, I said it had an imprint of the Muslim League. Congress should have rebutted me the same day and said that ‘what Modi ji is saying is not correct’, but they remained silent. Then I realised that, gradually, I would have to educate the people," he added.

The PM further said, "Manmohan Singh Ji himself said in a meeting, where I was present as the CM (of Gujarat), that Muslims have the first right on the country's resources. To satisfy vote bank and vote jihad... in Delhi, to get votes in 2014, after the elections were announced, they gave 123 prime properties to the Waqf Board. They have destroyed the secular spirit of the Constitution for their electoral politics."

Ladakh governor BD Mishra, after casting his vote, said, "Voting is the festival of the democracy. I am happy that we are celebrating it like that. Free and fair voting is an important step of democracy. I want Ladakh to always grow and our youth to get every good opportunity."

Former Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal was seen casting his vote at a polling station in Mumbai on Monday in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

All constituencies of Maharashtra's Mumbai are voting today in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024. As on 1 pm, the polling percentage in the six constituencies of Mumbai stand are as follows

1. Mumbai North: 26.78%

2. Mumbai North Central: 28.05%

3. Mumbai North East: 28.82%

4. Mumbai North West: 28.42%

5. Mumbai South: 24.46%

6. Mumbai South Central: 27.21%

Actor Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao cast their votes at a polling booth in Mumbai.

"I just want to appeal to the people to come out and cast their votes. Do not waste your votes. It is our responsibility to cast our votes," Aamir said.

Congress Mandi candidate Vikramaditya Singh said, "In South India, BJP is completely wiped out and in North India, it will be reduced to half...BJP will not be able to cross the mark of 200 seats...In the country, a strong government of INDIA alliance will come to power...In Himachal Pradesh, we will register a strong performance in all four Lok Sabha Parliamentary seats and six Assembly seats."

Congress workers showed black flags and raised slogans against BJP Mandi candidate Kangana Ranaut during her visit Lahaul and Spiti's Kaza on Monday.

BJP's Kaiserganj candidate Karan Bhushan Singh is in fray in the phase 5 of Lok sabha election taking place on Monday.

His father and ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh was dropped from the seat by the party amid accusations against him for sexual harassment of female wrestlers.

Speaking to media, Karan Bhushan Singh said, "It is a big day in my life. There are no challenges. My father is my Guru."

Brij Bhushan Singh casted his vote in Gonda constituency today and later speaking to the reporters, he said, "Karan Bhushan Singh will do better work than me. You can that tell that by his behaviour, discipline and lifestyle."

Political parties in West Bengal lodged complaints with the Election Commission about malfunctioning EVMs, agents being stopped from entering polling booths, agents being attacked and voters being threatened or stopped from going to cast their votes in different constituencies.

Among the complaints, several were lodged against minor political clashes taking place in Bangaon, Hooghly, Arambagh constituencies.

A voter turnout of 47.53 per cent was recorded in phase 5 till 3 pm as per the Election Commission’s Voter Turnout App, with the highest polling percentage in West Bengal (62.72 per cent) and the lowest in Maharashtra (38.77 per cent).

Actor Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao cast their votes at a polling station in Mumbai for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

"I just want to appeal to the people to come out and cast their votes. Do not waste your votes. It is our responsibility to cast our votes..." he told reporters.

Voter turnout of 47.53% was recorded till 3pm. Here's the statewide breakup:

Bihar: 45.33%
J&K: 44.90%
Jharkhand: 53.90%
Ladakh: 61.26%
Maharashtra: 38.77%
Odisha: 48.95%
UP: 47.55%
West Bengal: 62.72%

Actor Shah Rukh Khan casts vote in Mumbai, along with his wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana Khan.

Migrant Kashmiri Pandits cast vote for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in the special polling station set up for the Kashmiri migrants in Jagti township.

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Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency recorded a voter turnout of more than 45 per cent till 3 pm on Monday, already registering its highest polling percentage in the last 40 years.

The overall polling percentage of 45.22 this time is second only to the 58.84 per cent turnout the constituency saw in 1984. Baramulla recorded a turnout of 34.89 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, People's Conference president Sajad Gani Lone and jailed head of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid are among the key candidates in the fray.

-PTI

A voter turnout of 56.68 per cent was recorded in phase 5 till 5 pm as per the Election Commission’s Voter Turnout App, with the highest polling percentage in West Bengal (73 per cent) and the lowest in Maharashtra (48.66 per cent).

Voter turnout of 56.68% was recorded till 5pm. Here's the breakup:

Bihar: 52.35%

J&K: 54.21%

Jharkhand: 61.90%

Ladakh: 67.15%

Maharashtra: 48.66%

Odisha: 60.55%

UP: 55.80%

West Bengal: 73%

Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency recorded a voter turnout of more than 54 per cent till 5 pm on Monday, already registering its highest polling percentage in the last 40 years.

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, People's Conference president Sajad Gani Lone and jailed head of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid are among the key candidates in the fray.

Himachal Pradesh BJP complaints to the Election Commission of India against Congress alleging that stones were pelted on the procession of its Mandi MP candidate Kangana Ranaut by Congress workers in Kaza's Lahaul & Spiti district.

- ANI

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal addressed a public gathering in New Delhi on Monday along with his wife Sunita kejriwal to support their AAP candidate.

He stated, “Earlier, they (BJP) arrested Satyendar Jain and my PA (Bibhav Kumar). Now they are saying that they will arrest Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj. The public is worried because of inflation but he (PM Modi) is more focused on whom to send to jail. They filed a fake case of a Rs 100 crore scam against us and carried out multiple raids but have not been able to find anything.”

He added, “When I went to jail, they (BJP) stopped my medicines for 15 days. I am a diabetes patient and I have been taking insulin injections for the last 10 years. My sugar level should have been around 140 but my sugar shot up to 300-350. I don’t know what they wanted to do to me? My fault was that I gave the people of Delhi free electricity and PM Modi wants to stop it.”

Sunita Kejriwal also addressed the public when she said, "If you want your Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal) to not go to jail again, then everyone needs to vote on May 25. You have to show the power of your vote and press the button of broom (AAP symbol)."

Dehi Minister and AAP leader Atishi responded to ED's allegations, she said, "Today ED wrote a letter to MHA, saying that AAP took illegal donations from foreign. I want to tell them that since the day AAP was established, we have accounts of every donation and have submitted the same to the Election Commission, Income Tax Department and other institutions."

AAP leader Sandeep Pathak added, "The BJP has raised a new issue and has claimed that the AAP received foreign funds. This is an old issue, and the party has already given the details of every single penny to the CBI, ED and the MHA. In 2015, the MHA had also informed the high court that nothing wrong happened. Why are they raising this issue again? They do this when they are about to lose an election."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Modi's house on Monday evening to meet the bereaved family.

Sushil Modi, 72, who was suffering from cancer, had passed away last week.

As per latest reports, an overall 57.47% voter turnout has been recorded in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 20.

State-wise voter turnout:

Bihar- 52.60%

Jammu & Kashmir- 54.49%

Jharkhand- 63.00%

Ladakh-67.15%

Maharashtra- 48.88%

Odisha- 60.72%

Uttar Pradesh-57.79%

West Bengal- 73.00%

Bihar Chief Electoral Officer HR Srinivasa at a press conference on Monday stated, "The fifth phase of elections have concluded in Bihar. Polling was held in five constituencies - Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Hajipur, Sitamarhi and Saran. Till 6 pm, a voter turnout of 55.85 per cent was recorded. We, however, will get the final figures by tomorrow morning. In 2019, the voter turnout in these five constituencies was 57.07 per cent."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PK Pole held a presser where he stated, "According to the data till 5 pm, around 55 per cent voting took place. This is the highest since militancy began in Baramulla in 1989. Polling is still going on in some areas. Polling percentage in 2019 was very less at 37 per cent. Today, there is an almost 59 per cent jump."

According to a statement by the Mumbai Police, there was a clash between Congress and BJP workers during the ongoing voting in Little Angel School located in Sion area of Mumbai.

BJP workers claimed that they were giving voting slips to voters 100 meters away from the polling centre, on which Congress officials accused BJP people were interfering in the voting process by going near the polling centre.

After which Congress and BJP workers came face to face and BJP claimed that they even threatened to kill two people.

Based on the complaint of a BJP worker, Sion police registered a case against two unknown people under section 506(2) of IPC and started further investigation.