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Lok Sabha Election Phase 6: 10.82% Voter Turnout Nationwide, 8.94% in Delhi by 9 AM


1. The sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections sees a 10.82% turnout by 9 am across 58 seats.
2.  Polling is ongoing in six states and two Union Territories.
3. Key regions include Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.


Delhi, May 25: In the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, a voter turnout of 10.82 percent was recorded by 9 am across 58 seats. Polling is currently underway in six states and two Union Territories: Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.

Polling Overview

Voters are casting their ballots in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, all 10 seats in Haryana, seven seats in Delhi, eight seats each in Bihar and West Bengal, six seats in Odisha, four seats in Jharkhand, and one seat in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, 42 assembly constituencies in Odisha are also holding elections today.

Early Turnout Statistics

As of 9 am, the voter turnout statistics are as follows:

  • Delhi: 8.94 percent
  • Uttar Pradesh: 12.33 percent
  • Bihar: 9.66 percent
  • West Bengal: 16.54 percent
  • Odisha: 7.43 percent
  • Jharkhand: 11.74 percent
  • Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir: 8.89 percent

Polling began at 7 am and is scheduled to continue until 6 pm. Many voters were seen queuing up at various polling stations across the 58 seats, eager to cast their votes.

Prominent Candidates

This phase includes several high-profile candidates, such as:

  • Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Rao Inderjit Singh, and Krishan Pal Gurjar
  • BJP leaders Maneka Gandhi, Sambit Patra, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, Manohar Lal Khattar, and Manoj Tiwari
  • PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti
  • Congress leaders Deepender Singh Hooda, Raj Babbar, and Kanhaiya Kumar

Prime Minister’s Appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to participate actively in the penultimate phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

In a tweet, he stated, “I urge all those who are voting in the 6th phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to vote in large numbers. Every vote counts, make yours count too! Democracy thrives when its people are engaged and active in the electoral process. I especially urge women voters and youth voters to vote in large numbers.”


Also Read: Bongaigaon School Timings Revised Amid Severe Heatwave in Assam

Voter Demographics

Over 11.13 crore voters are eligible to participate in this phase, comprising 5.84 crore males, 5.29 crore females, and 5,120 individuals of the third gender.

The Election Commission has deployed approximately 11.4 lakh polling officials at 1.14 lakh polling stations to ensure smooth and fair voting.

Election Context

This phase of the elections is crucial as it covers significant and densely populated regions. The results from these constituencies could have a substantial impact on the overall outcome of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission has taken extensive measures to facilitate a smooth voting process, emphasizing security and accessibility for all voters.

As the day progresses, voter turnout is expected to increase, reflecting the public’s engagement in shaping the nation’s future.

The outcome of this phase will be eagerly awaited, setting the stage for the final phase of polling and the subsequent counting of votes, which is scheduled for June 4.

Bongaigaon School Timings Revised Amid Severe Heatwave in Assam


1. Bongaigaon District Commissioner alters school timings due to heatwave.
2. The decision applies to government and private schools.
3. The aim is to address heatwave concerns for student safety.


Guwahati, May 25: Bongaigaon District Commissioner’s Office, Assam, has revised school timings due to severe heatwave conditions.

The modification applies to both government and private schools to ensure students’ health and safety.

The order, implemented by the Inspector of Schools/DEEO, Bongaigaon, sets different timings for various school levels.

Lower primary schools: 7 am to 10 am. Middle English and upper primary schools: 7 am to 11 am. High schools and higher secondary schools: 7 am to 12 noon.

Outdoor activities like sports and assemblies are suspended. Indoor activities are allowed if they don’t involve strenuous physical exertion.

Schools must provide cool drinking water, and shaded areas, and advise students to carry water bottles. Immediate medical attention is required for heat-related illnesses.


Also Read: Odisha: Six Lok Sabha Seats Up for Grabs in Phase 6 Polls Today, Key Candidates in Contention

Communication channels must inform students, parents, and staff about the revised timings and safety measures.

Strict compliance is mandated by all educational institutions, with inspectors ensuring adherence under penalty.

The order remains effective until further notice, with adjustments based on ongoing weather assessments.

Lok Sabha Election Phase 6: 57.7% turnout recorded till 5 pm


1. Six key Lok Sabha seats in Odisha are up for election today.
2. Constituencies include Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.
3. This marks the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.


New Delhi, May 25: After the completion of voting in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20, attention now turns to the sixth phase scheduled for May 25.

This phase will cover 58 Lok Sabha constituencies across 8 states and Union Territories.

These include Bihar (8 seats), Haryana (all 10 seats), Jammu and Kashmir (1 seat), Jharkhand (4 seats), Delhi (all 7 seats), Odisha (6 seats), Uttar Pradesh (14 seats), and West Bengal (8 seats).

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported 889 candidates contesting from these regions.

The national capital, with its seven parliamentary seats, is preparing for polling. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

LIVE UPDATE:

  • A voter turnout of 57.70 per cent was recorded till 5 pm on Saturday in 58 constituencies in six states and two Union territories where polling is underway in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

    West Bengal recorded the highest voter turnout till the second half of polling at 77.99 per cent while Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest at 51.35 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India.

    The National Capital of Delhi recorded a voter turnout of 53.73% till 5 pm.

    • Bihar: 52.24%
    • Haryana: 55.93%
    • Jammu and Kashmir: 51.35%
    • Jharkhand: 61.41%
    • Delhi: 53.73%
    • Odisha: 59.60%
    • Uttar Pradesh: 52.02%
    • West Bengal: 77.99%
  • 49.2% voting recorded till 3pm, highest in Bengal with 70.1% in Phase 6 of Lok Sabha polls 2024
  • A voter turnout of 49.20 per cent was recorded till 3 pm on Saturday in 58 constituencies in six states and two Union territories where polling is underway in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

West Bengal recorded the highest voter turnout till the second half of polling at 70.19 per cent while Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest at 43.95 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India.

The National Capital of Delhi recorded a voter turnout of 44.58% till 3 pm.

  • Bihar: 45.21%
  • Haryana: 46.26%
  • Jammu and Kashmir: 44.41%
  • Jharkhand: 54.34%
  • Delhi: 44.58%
  • Odisha: 48.44%
  • Uttar Pradesh: 43.95%
  • West Bengal: 70.19%
  • The Trinamool Congress on Saturday submitted a complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging a person entered the polling station as an ECI observer and asked voters to press number 3 button, belonging to the BJP. The incident has been reported from Ghatal.

The ruling party in Bengal also claimed that central forces were called in after women protested, and they were allegedly assaulted.

  •  Overall voter turnout across six states and two Union Territories has been recorded at approximately 39.13 until 1 pm.West Bengal, recorded the highest voter turnout so far at 54.80%, with eight Lok Sabha constituencies undergoing voting today.The lowest voter turnout at 1 pm has been recorded in Delhi-NCR at 34.37 per cent where seven Lok Sabha seats are undergoing voting.
  • A voter turnout of 39.13 per cent was recorded at 1 pm in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections. Here is the voter turnout for the different states and UTs during this period so far:Bihar: 36.48%
    Haryana: 36.48%
    Jammu and Kashmir: 35.22%
    Jharkhand: 42.54%
    Delhi: 34.37%
    Odisha: 35.69%
    Uttar Pradesh: 37.23%
    West Bengal: 54.80%
  • Overall voter turnout across six states and two Union Territories has been recorded at approximately 25.76% until 11 am.West Bengal, after four hours of voting, recorded the highest voter turnout so far at 36.88%, with eight Lok Sabha constituencies undergoing voting today.The lowest voter turnout so far has been recorded in Odisha at 21.30% where six Lok Sabha seats are undergoing voting.
  • At 9 am, Bihar had a voter turnout of 9.66 per cent. Voting is being held in eight seats.

Gopalganj- 9.49 per cent
Paschim Champaran- 9.39 per cent
Purvi Champaran- 8.95 per cent
Maharajganj- 9.06 per cent
Valmikinagar- 8.55 per cent
Vaishali- 11.95 per cent
Shivhar- 9.25 per cent
Siwan- 10.54 per cent

  • Delhi recorded a voter turnout of 8.94 per cent till 9 am in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections. The national capital is witnessing polling in all seven parliamentary constituencies.At 9 am, Northeast Delhi recorded the highest voter turnout at 10.15 per cent, followed by 9.72 per cent in West Delhi, 8.99 per cent in Northwest Delhi, 8.82 per cent in East Delhi and 7.83 per cent in Chandni Chowk. New Delhi saw the lowest voter turnout so far at 7.04 per cent. (https://northeastrising.in/lok-sabha-election-phase-6-10-82-voter-turnout-nationwide-8-94-in-delhi-by-9-am/)
  • A voter turnout of 11.74 per cent was recorded till 9 am in Jharkhand in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections. Polling is underway in four seats. Giridih recorded a voter turnout of 12.91 per cent, followed by Ranchi 12.19 per cent, Dhanbad 11.75 per cent and Jamshedpur 10.05 per cent.

  • India General Elections 2024 live: Voter turnout across 58 constituencies from six states and two Union Territories (UTs) for Phase 6 voting has been recorded at 10.82 percent as of 9 am.The highest voter turnout has been recorded in West Bengal with 16.54 percent, while the lowest among the states and UTs going for polls has been recorded in Odisha with just 7.43 percent.West Bengal has eight parliamentary constituencies going for polls during this phase, while Odisha has six constituencies going for polls.
  • Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik casts his vote in Bhubaneswar
  • Miraya Vadra and Rehaan Vadra, the children of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, cast their votes at a polling booth in Lodhi Estate in Delhi.
  • Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, after casting his vote during Phase 6 of the general elections, says, “Voting is both a responsibility and a power. India is the world’s most vibrant, active, and effective democracy.”
  • India General Elections 2024 live: President Murmu casts her vote in Delhi during Phase 6

  • VK Pandian, BJD leader and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, went to the polling station in Bhubaneswar in an auto to cast his vote. After casting his vote, Pandian said everyone should participate in the festival of democracy.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday appealed to the people of Delhi to vote in “record numbers” to elect a “corruption-free” government

  • PM Modi urged people to vote in large number.

  • Voting in 58 Lok Sabha seats is being held across six states and two Union Territories. Here’s a list of states where voting is underway:

Uttar Pradesh- 14 seats
Haryana- 10 seats
Delhi- 7 seats
Bihar- 8 seats
West Bengal- 8 seats
Odisha- 6 seats
Jharkhand- 4 seats
Jammu and Kashmir- 1 seat

  • Voting for the sixth phase of Lok Sabha Elections begins. Polling is being held in 58 constituencies across 8 states and Union Territories (UTs) today. Simultaneous polling is being held in 42 Assembly constituencies in Odisha
  • Of the candidates running in the sixth round of the elections, 92 are female, making up about 11% of the field
  • According to EC, around 8.93 lakh registered voters are 85 years of age or older, 23,659 voters are 100 years of age or older, and 9.58 lakh PwD voters for Phase 6 can vote in the comfort of their own homes
  • In the penultimate round of Lok Sabha elections, there will be around 11.13 crore voters, comprising 5.84 crore men, 5.29 crore women, and 5,120 electors of the third gender., there will be around 11.13 crore voters, comprising 5.84 crore men, 5.29 crore women, and 5,120 electors of the third gender
  • Preparations and mock polls are underway at a polling booth in Rohtak, Haryana Haryana’s 10 constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.
  • Preparations and mock polls are underway at a polling booth in Kanthi, West Bengal West Bengal’s 8 constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.
  • Preparations and mock polls are underway at a polling booth in Delhi’s Lodhi Estate Delhi’s all 7 Parliamentary constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.
  • Preparations for voting are underway at a polling booth in Sirsa, Haryana Haryana’s 10 constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.
  • Preparations and mock polls are underway at a polling booth in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Voting will be held in 6 Parliamentary constituencies and 42 Assembly constituencies in Odisha, in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.
  • Preparations for voting underway at a polling booth in Bishnupur, West Bengal West Bengal’s 8 constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.
  • As many as 58 seats across six states and two Union Territories (UTs) are voting in the sixth and penultimate phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 today, May 25. All 10 seats of Haryana and seven seats of Delhi are polling in this round of voting.
  • Odisha: Six Lok Sabha Seats Up for Grabs in Phase 6 Polls Today, Key Candidates in Contention (Also Read:https://northeastrising.in/odisha-six-lok-sabha-seats-up-for-grabs-in-phase-6-polls-today-key-candidates-in-contention/)

  • Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key Candidates from Maneka Gandhi to Sambit Patra – All details here (Also Read: https://northeastrising.in/phase-6-of-lok-sabha-elections-2024-key-candidates-from-maneka-gandhi-to-sambit-patra-all-details-here/)

Odisha: Six Lok Sabha Seats Up for Grabs in Phase 6 Polls Today, Key Candidates in Contention


1. Six key Lok Sabha seats in Odisha are up for election today.
2. Constituencies include Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.
3. This marks the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.


Bhubaneswar, May 25: Amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, six crucial seats in Odisha are set for polls in the sixth phase today. The constituencies include Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.

In the 2019 elections, the BJD secured Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Puri, and Cuttack, while the BJP claimed victory in Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar.

Polling Details

A total of 64 candidates are contesting in these six Lok Sabha seats. This marks the third round of polling in Odisha, aligning with the sixth phase nationally.

There are 9,448,553 eligible voters, consisting of 4,829,660 men, 4,617,602 women, and 1,291 transgender individuals. These voters will cast their ballots across 10,581 polling booths throughout the state.


Also Read: Arunachal Monk Earns Master’s from Harvard Divinity School, Praised by CM

Prominent Leaders in the Fray

The primary contest in these Odisha seats is between the BJP and the BJD. Notable candidates include Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and four Odisha ministers: Prafulla Mallick, R P Swain, Ashok Panda, and Basanti Hembram.

Dharmendra Pradhan is contesting for the BJP in the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat, challenging BJD’s Pranab Prakash Das. Pradhan replaces the incumbent BJP MP Nitesh Ganga Deb. Having lost the 2009 election, Pradhan later served in the Rajya Sabha representing Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

In Puri, BJP’s Sambit Patra faces BJD’s Arup Patnaik, a former Mumbai police commissioner. In the previous election, Patra narrowly lost to BJD’s Pinaki Mishra.

Cuttack features a significant contest between BJP’s Bhartruhari Mahtab, a long-standing incumbent who recently switched from BJD, and BJD’s Santrupt Mishra, a former corporate leader. Mahtab has served as an MP since 1998.

These elections are critical in determining the political landscape of Odisha, with both parties vying for dominance in this phase of the national elections.

Arunachal Monk Earns Master’s from Harvard Divinity School, Praised by CM


1. Tibetan monk Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey earned a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.
2. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu proudly announced the achievement.
3. The announcement was shared via a heartfelt message on the microblogging platform X.


Itanagar, May 25: Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey, a distinguished Tibetan monk, has recently achieved a significant milestone by earning a Master of Theological Studies degree from the prestigious Harvard Divinity School.

This remarkable accomplishment was proudly announced by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu via a heartfelt message on the microblogging platform X.

Chief Minister Khandu expressed his utmost joy and extended his “heartiest congratulations” to Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey.

He highlighted the profound importance of theology in understanding the core beliefs and values that shape human societies.


Also Read: Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key Candidates from Maneka Gandhi to Sambit Patra – All details here

Khandu underscored the transformative power of knowledge and affirmed that Gyurmey’s academic achievements would significantly contribute to fostering mutual respect and tolerance among diverse communities.

Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey’s academic journey is a testament to the extraordinary blend of spiritual devotion and intellectual rigor.

His attainment of a master’s degree from one of the world’s most esteemed institutions underscores the global relevance of Tibetan religious traditions and their potential to enrich scholarly discourse on theology.

Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey Rinpoche, affectionately known as Tengyur Rinpoche, has long been attuned to the educational needs within his hometown of Tawang, India.

He recognized a pressing issue: the lack of accessible education, particularly institutions that fostered a connection with local culture.

Observing that financially-able families were sending their children away for schooling while those in poverty struggled to afford even basic education expenses, Tengyur Rinpoche saw an urgent need for change.

Motivated by a vision of inclusivity and empowerment, Tengyur Rinpoche founded the Thubten Shedrubling Foundation (TSF) in 2014.

The foundation is dedicated to providing education to both children and adults in Tawang.

In 2017, TSF inaugurated a free learning center, offering adults opportunities to deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings alongside practical skills like computer literacy and language proficiency.

In March 2023, Tengyur Rinpoche’s efforts culminated in the establishment of the Tashol Tengyur School.

This institution offers comprehensive education free of charge to Tawang’s youth.

Rooted in Buddhist values yet welcoming to students from all religious backgrounds, the school embodies Tengyur Rinpoche’s commitment to nurturing compassionate individuals deeply connected to their cultural heritage.

Tengyur Rinpoche’s journey from a recognized tulku—reincarnation of a previous Tibetan Buddhist practitioner—to an educator and community leader reflects his unwavering dedication to serving others.

Despite the weight of expectation accompanying his title, he embraced the challenges and leveraged his experiences to spearhead transformative initiatives in education.

Inspired by the universal ethical principles espoused by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tengyur Rinpoche envisions education as a means of instilling compassion and responsibility in future generations.

His pursuit of knowledge extends beyond academic realms, encompassing a holistic understanding of ministry that transcends ritualistic practices to embody compassionate action in everyday life.

Tengyur Rinpoche’s achievements resonate deeply within his community and beyond, demonstrating that spiritual and intellectual endeavors can work hand in hand to foster a more inclusive, educated, and compassionate world.

Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key Candidates from Maneka Gandhi to Sambit Patra – All details here


1. The anticipation mounts as Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 6 is set to unfold tomorrow, May 25.
2. This phase encompasses 58 Lok Sabha constituencies spanning eight states and Union Territories.
3. Voters to exercise their franchise in this phase.


New Delhi, May 24: The anticipation mounts as Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 6 is set to unfold tomorrow, on May 25. This phase encompasses 58 Lok Sabha constituencies spanning eight states and Union Territories, where voters will exercise their franchise.

The voting battleground includes Bihar (8 seats), Haryana (all 10 seats), Jammu and Kashmir (one seat), Jharkhand (4 seats), Delhi (all 7 seats), Odisha (6 seats), Uttar Pradesh (14 seats), and West Bengal (8 seats). Additionally, 42 assembly constituencies in Odisha will also witness the electoral spectacle.

Highlighted Seats in Phase 6:

  • New Delhi
  • North-East Delhi
  • North-West Delhi
  • Chandni Chowk
  • Sultanpur and Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh
  • Anantnag-Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir
  • Tamluk and Medinipur in West Bengal
  • Karnal, Kurukshetra, Gurgaon, Rohtak in Haryana
  • Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Sambalpur in Odisha

Also Read: Guwahati Endures 40°C Heatwave, No Relief Expected Until May 26

Notable Contenders:

  1. Bansuri Swaraj (BJP): Contesting from New Delhi, facing AAP’s Somnath Bharti.
  2. Manoj Tiwari (BJP) and Kanhaiya Kumar (Congress): Battle in North East Delhi.
  3. Maneka Gandhi (BJP): Contesting from Sultanpur against SP’s Ram Bhual Nishad and BSP’s Uday Raj Verma.
  4. Dinesh Lal Yadav (BJP) and Dharmendra Yadav (SP): Clash in Azamgarh.
  5. Sambit Patra (BJP): Contesting from Puri, facing BJD’s Arup Patnaik and Congress’ Jay Narayan Patnaik.
  6. Naveen Jindal (BJP): Contesting from Kurukshetra against AAP’s Sushil Gupta and INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala.
  7. Manohar Lal Khattar (BJP): Contesting from Karnal against Congress’ Divyanshu Budhiraja.
  8. Raj Babbar (Congress): Battle in Gurgaon against BJP’s Rao Inderjit Singh.
  9. Abhijit Gangopadhyay (BJP): Contesting from Tamluk against TMC’s Debangshu Bhattacharya and CPI(M)’s Sayan Banerjee.

As the stage is set for Phase 6, all eyes are on these key contenders vying for victory in their respective constituencies.

Guwahati Endures 40°C Heatwave, No Relief Expected Until May 26


1. Guwahati hits 40°C, per Regional Meteorological Centre.
2. The heatwave continues, marking the scorching day.
3. Temperature surge grips the city in sweltering conditions.


Guwahati, May 24: Guwahati finds itself sweltering under the oppressive heat today, with the mercury soaring to a blistering 40°C, as per reports from the Regional Meteorological Centre in the city.

This relentless surge in temperature adds another chapter to the ongoing heatwave gripping Guwahati, marking one of the most scorching days in recent memory.

Not just Guwahati, but Dispur, a prominent locality within the city limits, also experienced the same 40°C temperature, while areas surrounding Guwahati Airport and IIT Guwahati witnessed marginally lower yet stifling temperatures hovering at 39°C.


Also Read: Supreme Court Denies Request to Order Poll Body to Release Booth-Wise Voter Turnout Data

In the annals of Guwahati’s weather history, crossing the 40°C threshold has been a rare occurrence, happening only thrice before, twice in April 2014 and once in May 1960.

The highest temperature ever recorded in the city stands at 40.6°C, documented in April 2014, with the peak May temperature clocking in at 40.3°C, according to data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Looking towards the horizon, IMD’s projections offer a glimmer of hope, forecasting a minor respite as temperatures are expected to plateau at 38-39°C on May 25. Subsequently, from May 26 onward, a notable decline in temperature is anticipated, bringing it down to a more bearable range of 30-34°C.

With the heatwave persisting, residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions, including staying well-hydrated and minimizing exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours.

The promised cooldown later in the week is poised to bring much-needed relief to the populace grappling with the sweltering conditions.

Supreme Court Denies Request to Order Poll Body to Release Booth-Wise Voter Turnout Data


1. The Supreme Court declined a plea directing the Election Commission to publish polling station voter turnout data.
2. The court suggested addressing the matter after the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
3. Justices emphasized a hands-off approach during the election process.


New Delhi, May 24: The Supreme Court declined to consider a plea that sought to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish final voter turnout data for all polling stations on its website.

The Court indicated that this matter should be addressed after the conclusion of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma emphasized the necessity of maintaining a hands-off approach during the election process. “Tomorrow is the sixth phase of elections. We feel that this case should be heard after the elections,” the bench noted, underscoring the importance of non-interference at this critical juncture.

The plea, filed by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), requested a directive compelling the ECI to upload polling station-wise voter turnout data on its website within 48 hours of the conclusion of voting for each phase of the Lok Sabha elections.


Also Read: Cyclone Remal Expected to Reach Bengal by May 26, Orange Alert Issued for Kolkata and Surrounding Districts

During the hearing, the Election Commission argued against the plea, asserting that such actions might instigate unnecessary suspicion among voters.

“The petition is only founded on suspicion and apprehension. Conducting elections is a herculean task being performed and should not let such vested interests interfere,” the poll body stated, defending its current procedures and highlighting the complexity of managing elections in a country as large and diverse as India.

The ADR’s plea pointed out that voter turnout data for the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections was published with significant delays, specifically 11 and 14 days after polling, respectively.

This delay, coupled with substantial revisions of over five per cent in the reported data, has raised public concerns and suspicions regarding the accuracy and transparency of the voter turnout figures.

“In order to ensure easy accessibility of the data, a tabulation of the constituency and polling station wise figures of voter turnout in absolute numbers and in percentage must also be disclosed,” the plea stated.

The NGO contended that the timely publication of detailed voter turnout data is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

On May 17, the Supreme Court had given the Election Commission one week to file its response to the plea challenging the delay in releasing voter turnout data.

The ADR had also filed an interim application within its 2019 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting that “scanned legible copies of Form 17C Part-I (Account of Votes Recorded)” for all polling stations be uploaded immediately after the polls.

Form 17C Part-I is a critical document in the election process, as it records the account of votes cast at each polling station.

The ADR argued that making these forms publicly accessible would enhance transparency and allow for independent verification of the reported voter turnout figures.

The Supreme Court’s decision to postpone the hearing reflects a careful consideration of the electoral process’s integrity, prioritizing the smooth conduct of the remaining election phases over immediate judicial intervention.

The Court’s approach underscores the importance of maintaining stability and public confidence during elections, suggesting that any potential issues with data transparency should be addressed comprehensively once the electoral process is complete.

Cyclone Remal Expected to Reach Bengal by May 26, Orange Alert Issued for Kolkata and Surrounding Districts


1. Cyclone Remal is expected to hit the Bengal and Bangladesh coasts on May 26.
2. Wind speeds are forecasted at 110-120 km/h, gusting up to 135 km/h.
3. Timing coincides with voting in eight Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.


Weather Update, May 24: A cyclonic storm brewing in the Bay of Bengal is poised to make landfall along the coasts of West Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh as a severe cyclone on May 26, coinciding with the voting in eight Lok Sabha seats in the state.

IMD’s Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that Cyclone Remal will reach the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on May 26, with wind speeds ranging from 110 to 120 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 135 kilometres per hour. The severity is expected to persist for approximately 24 hours till the morning of May 27 before gradually losing intensity.

Intensification Timeline

The storm is anticipated to transform into a deep depression on May 25 and escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by May 26, according to the IMD bulletin. It is likely to cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around midnight on May 26.


Also Read: Restrictions Imposed: Section 144 to be Implemented in Shillong During Vote Counting Day

Precautionary Measures

In response to the impending cyclone, the IMD has issued an orange alert for light to moderate rainfall in several districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, Jhargram, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal until May 27.

Election Commission’s Response

With the cyclone coinciding with polling day in eight Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal, the Election Commission has heightened its vigilance. The districts have been instructed to implement precautionary measures at polling stations to ensure the safety of voters and poll personnel.

State Preparedness

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab conducted a comprehensive review meeting with superintendents of police and state disaster management officials. The officials have been directed to take necessary steps to prevent any untoward incidents during the cyclone.

Disaster Management Measures

The state disaster management department has confirmed that all essential measures have been put in place to mitigate the cyclone’s impact. Additional personnel have been deployed to coastal districts to aid in disaster response and relief efforts.

Restrictions Imposed: Section 144 to be Implemented in Shillong During Vote Counting Day


1. Shillong will enforce Section 144 of the CrPC on June 4 for the Lok Sabha 2024 elections.
2. SC Sadhu, the Returning Officer and District Magistrate, confirmed the decision post a meeting with political parties.
3. This measure aims to maintain peace during vote counting, with strict regulations for political activities.


Shillong, May 24: In preparation for the General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024, Shillong will observe the implementation of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) on June 4.

SC Sadhu, the Returning Officer and District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills District announced this decision following a meeting with political parties on May 23.

To maintain peace and order during the vote-counting process, strict measures will be enforced.

Political parties have committed to adhering to these regulations, which include a prohibition on processions and sloganeering within the counting center premises until the completion of vote counting and declaration of results.


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Additionally, the use of loudspeakers and any form of celebratory activities by political entities or candidates will be restricted at the counting venue.

Furthermore, carrying sticks, lathis, firearms, and organizing processions or large gatherings within a one-kilometer radius of the counting center is prohibited.

The bursting and throwing of crackers on roads and in public spaces are strictly forbidden on the day of counting.

After the announcement of results, no victory processions or rallies by candidates or political parties will be permitted within the East Khasi Hills District.

Additionally, only two individuals may accompany the winning candidate or their authorized representative to receive the election certificate from the Returning Officer.

Entry into the counting hall will be restricted to individuals with valid ID cards or car passes issued by the District Election Officer, with mobile phones and cameras banned within the counting premises.

These restrictions come into effect immediately and will remain enforced until 4 pm on June 6, 2024.

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