During the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, 49 constituencies across six states and two Union Territories saw a turnout of over 47 per cent by 3 pm on Monday. However, this democratic process was not without its challenges.
Instances of violence were reported in West Bengal, where clashes between TMC and BJP workers occurred in Barrackpore, Bongaon, and Arambagh constituencies. Furthermore, a village in Uttar Pradesh chose to boycott the polls.
Technical issues with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were observed in booths in Odisha and West Bengal, adding to the complications. Despite these hurdles, voting percentages varied across states, with Maharashtra recording the lowest at 38.77 per cent and West Bengal the highest at 62.72 per cent.
The Election Commission received complaints from various parties regarding EVM malfunctions and alleged obstruction of agents from entering booths, totaling to 1,036 complaints.
Violence erupted in several constituencies, including clashes between TMC and BJP supporters in West Bengal’s Khanakul area and protests against BJP candidate Locket Chatterjee in Hooghly constituency. Similar incidents were reported in Howrah and Bongaon, where allegations of booth jamming and physical altercations arose.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress claimed EVM malfunctioning and accused the BJP of hindering voting in certain booths. The Samajwadi Party also raised concerns about fair polling in Gonda constituency.
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, complaints surfaced regarding the lack of facilities outside polling booths, prompting Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray to urge authorities to address the issue.
Allegations of misconduct were exchanged between political parties, with BJP leader Kirit Somaiya accusing Shiv Sena leaders of corrupt practices outside a polling booth in Mumbai.
Tragic incidents occurred as well, such as the alleged murder of an auto-rickshaw driver in Odisha’s Bargarh district, with conflicting explanations from family members and authorities.
Despite these challenges, over 8.95 crore eligible voters, including a significant number of females and third-gender electors, participated in this phase of the elections. As the democratic process continues, with the sixth and seventh phases scheduled for later dates, the nation awaits the culmination of this electoral exercise on June 4.
