Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over 61 per cent polling recorded in sixth phase, Bengal leads with 78 pc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday vowed to staunchly defend the reservation for ST, SC and OBC categories against any attempt by the INDIA bloc parties "to snatch it away" and give it to Muslims.

"I will not allow this game to be played on the basis of religion. Modi is the watchman of the rights of the deprived people ('vanchito kaa jo adhikaar hai, Modi usskaa chowkidaar hai')," the prime minister said at an election rally in Ghazipur.

Nearly 65 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana with polling remaining peaceful throughout the day, officials said on Saturday.

Voting for all the parliamentary seats in the state ended at 6 pm, sealing the fate of 223 candidates, including former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, two Union ministers and Congress stalwart Kumari Selja. There were 207 men and 16 women in the fray.

The poll officials said that the turnout figure could increase as data is still being compiled. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the overall voting percentage was 70.

Addressing a public rally in Balasore, Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "This is a misfortune of the state which has natural resources, which gave morals and culture to the world, today that state government is being run by remote control. I have come here to urge the people to vote for BJP for the welfare and upliftment of Odisha... This region has no new provisions for the employment of the youth, neither is there any provision to promote industry. If Naveen Patnaik is focused on anything, it is on the increase in business of the South Indian people. He is not worried about the youth of Odisha."

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on ongoing Lok Sabha elections | "...All the states are moving forward. PM Modi is coming up with schemes for the whole nation. Punjab should follow his mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'''.

Chief Electoral Officer Pandurang Pole on voter turnout in J-K | "The voter turnout is 53%... It is the highest polling percentage in the parliamentary elections... The polling was conducted here in a peaceful manner."

Anantnag-Rajouri makes history, as it records its highest turnout in the last 35 years, at 51.35 per cent in General Elections 2024. With this, all three PCs in Kashmir Valley have now recorded the highest voter turnouts, says the Election Commission of India.

Tejashvi Yadav on PM Modi's remark | "...People of Bihar are not afraid of people of Gujarat... The people of Bihar are not afraid of anyone, our Lord Krishna was born in jail. A 75-year-old man is threatening a 34-year-old youth that if you defeat us in the election, we will send you to jail... the public will decide..."

Amit Shah on Agniveer scheme | "The politics of this country has changed after Rahul Gandhi came into politics. Earlier, political parties used to twist actual issues in front of the people, but they never made falsehood an issue. Rahul Gandhi has started a new tradition that only a false thing should be made an issue. The best example of this is the Agniveer scheme... A misconception is being spread all over the country that after 4 years, 75% Agniveers will be left future-less and their life will be ruined... The scheme is that if 100 people become Agniveer, 25% of them would be permanently posted in the Army. For the remaining 75%, BJP rules states have made a 10-20% reservation in their state police force. 10% reservation has been given in the central government's paramilitary force also. Other than the reservation, they will get a lot of relaxation in the selection process, like age, examination, and they also do not have to go through the physical tests. After this, there might hardly be any Agniveer who might not get a job... A lot of security companies have also prioritised Agniveers... He will receive a hefty salary for 4 years and after that, he will get a permanent job with gratuity... Rahul Gandhi is saying absolute lies for the advantage of his party and misguiding the people..."

West Bengal | BJP candidate from Jhargram Lok Sabha seat, Pranat Tudu was attacked allegedly by miscreants when he was visiting booth number 200 in Monglapota in the parliamentary constituency.

Speaking on the incident, Pranat Tudu said, "We got information yesterday that BJP voters in Monglapota are not being allowed to vote. Due to this, we came to this area to check what was the problem. Here around 200 people attacked us with lathis, stones and some weapons. We could have been murdered if Central forces would not have been there...We did not get any protection from the local police...Didi doesn't want to impose CAA and make the country into Pakistan."

Voter turnout in West Bengal till 3 pm 

• Tamluk Lok Sabha Constituency: 71.63
• Kanthi Lok Sabha Constituency: 71.36
• Ghatal Lok Sabha Constituency: 71.34
• Jhargram Lok Sabha Constituency: 72.26
• Medinipur Lok Sabha Constituency: 67.91
• Purulia Lok Sabha Constituency: 66.06
• Bankura Lok Sabha Constituency: 67.41
• Bishnupur Lok Sabha Constituency: 73.55

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Shimla | "This election is people vs Modi, people vs. BJP, and people vs. RSS. People are fighting for us and themselves. There is a high possibility of our victory. This is why I said earlier that on 4 June, INDIA alliance will form a government."

Over 49 per cent polling has been recorded till 3 pm in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 so far. West Bengal leads with more than 70 per cent voting.

"It is noticed that some old video from other states are getting circulated through social media showing miscreants trying to vitiate the poll process and particularly tampering with EVM. It is clarified that such videos are not related to Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Maharashtra. The poll in the state is completed smoothly and peacefully," it said.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury cast his vote in Delhi.

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 approximate turnout: 39.12%

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Saturday alleged she had to wait for almost an hour to cast her vote as the battery of the EVM control unit at her polling booth "drained out". Karat had gone to cast her vote at a polling booth set up at St Columba's School in the New Delhi constituency. She said she had to wait for around 50 minutes before she could cast her ballot, expressing concerns over arrangements made by the Election Commission.

She said, " I urge everyone to come out and vote. It is a festival of democracy and everyone should vote...Our government is going to be formed once again."

Dhoni cast his vote in his hometown Ranchi in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha Elections. As he arrived at the polling station, people reacted in a typical manner similar to the cricketer gets in the stadium.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti Saturday alleged polling was being deliberately slowed down at a booth in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, a charge denied by the administration. PDP president and her mother Mehbooba Mufti is contesting the poll from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.

BJP candidate from East Champaran Radha Mohan Singh cast his vote in Bihar's Motihari.

BJP candidate from South Delhi Lok Sabha seat Ramvir Singh Bidhuri cast his vote.

Congress candidate from Rohtak Lok Sabha seat, Deepender Singh Hooda cast his vote in Rohtak.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal cast his vote in Delhi.

BJP candidate from Rohtak Lok Sabha seat Dr Arvind Sharma cast his vote in Haryana's Jhajjar.

"It's my fortune that today I got the opportunity to vote for a stable, secular and progressive govt in a free India... In the sixth phase, I think the INDIA alliance will cross 300 and in the seventh phase our lead will increase more," he said.

Expelled BJP leader Nupur Sharma cast her vote in Delhi.

"My father, wife, children and I have voted. My mother could not come today because she is not well. I have voted against dictatorship, inflation and unemployment. I appeal to people to come out and vote," he said.

Randeep Singh Surjewala cast his vote at a polling centre in Kaithal.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari cast his vote.

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba cast his vote at a polling booth in Delhi.

State-wise voter turnout till 11 am:

Bihar: 23.67%
Haryana: 22.09%
Jammu and Kashmir: 23.11%
Jharkhand: 27.80%
Delhi: 21.69%
Odisha: 21.30%
Uttar Pradesh: 27.06%
West Bengal: 36.88%

BJP candidate from North-East Delhi, Manoj Tiwari cast his vote.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, along with his family member, cast his vote in the national capital in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections.

"There is a great enthusiasm among people. The massive voter turnout shows that people want change. Some EVMs were not working at several places but I hope ECI will resolve it as early as possible," he said.

"This is just to induce fear in the minds of the people so that the Kashmiris don't come out and vote as they know that if the people of South Kashmir come out and vote then Mehbooba Mufti will win and will go to parliament. They can't tolerate me in the parliament," she said.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar cast his vote in Delhi.

Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot cast his vote.

Congress candidate from North West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, Udit Raj cast his vote.

"An attempt is being made to create an atmosphere of doubt, one day we will tell everyone about it and will reveal how people are misled," Kumar said.

"I have voted against dictatorship and communalism," she said.

"I will appeal to the people of India, with folded hands, to vote for strengthening the Constitution of India, for protecting democracy, and for the end of dictatorship," Singh said.

"Everyone should vote in the grand festival of democracy. India needs decisive and powerful leadership. We are moving towards the success of the slogan of 400 Paar," he said.

"There is an undercurrent and the people have this feeling that the leaders of BJP are not discussing the real issues like unemployment and inflation...INDIA alliance has been talking about the real issues of the people since the beginning," she said.

"The alliance will choose that. I know that Rahul will work in the interest of the country and will fulfill Rajiv's dream," he said.

"We are keeping aside our grievances and casting votes for our Constitution and democracy...'Mujhe iss baat par garv hai'," she said.

"Mother and I contributed to this great festival of democracy by casting our votes. All of you also come out of your homes in large numbers and vote for your rights and the future of your family," he posted on X.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra cast her vote in Delhi.

Nearly 11.74 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 am in four Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand that went to polls in the sixth phase on Saturday, officials said. Voting began at 7 am in Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi and Jamshedpur seats, and will continue till 5 pm.

"I feel very happy that we are under democracy.  The important thing is to pick the right people for your constituency...What we can do is more important than what the govt can do," he said after casting his vote in Delhi

Wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat cast his vote in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan cast his vote in Delhi.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik cast his vote in Bhubaneswar.

Allahabad - 9.37 %
Ambedkar Nagar – 14.61 %
Azamgarh - 14.17 %
Basti - 14.26 %
Bhadohi - 12.84 % 
Dumariyaganj - 13.38 % 
Jaunpur - 12.91 %
Lalganj - 10.95 % 
Machlishahr – 13.33 % 
Phulpur - 7.45 % 
Pratapgarh - 12.89 % 
Sant Kabir Nagar - 12.73 % 
Shravasti - 9.95 % 
Sultanpur - 14.11 %

Sonia Gandhi and party MP Rahul Gandhi clicked a selfie after casting their vote in Delhi.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind cast his vote in Delhi.

Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, his family members cast their votes in Delhi.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party MP Rahul Gandhi arrived at a polling booth in Delhi.

Bihar: 9.66 %

Haryana: 8.31 %

Jammu and Kashmir: 8.89 %

Jharkhand: 11.74 %

Delhi: 8.94 %

Odisha: 7.43 %

Uttar Pradesh: 12.33 %

West Bengal: 16.54 %

"It is a very big day for the democracy," she said after casting her vote.

"Voting is both a responsibility and a power. India is the world's most vibrant, active and effective democracy," he said after casting his vote in Delhi.

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal casts her vote in the national capital.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged people to cast their ballot in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on Saturday and vote against the politics of hatred, rhetoric and distraction. Kharge said that in the last five phases, the "dictatorial forces" were "deeply shaken". Voting is underway for 58 constituencies in six states and two Union territories, including all the seven seats in Delhi and the Jangal Mahal region in Bengal, in the sixth phase. In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said this struggle to secure democracy and the Constitution has reached the last two phases. "Today is the sixth phase of voting and you have to vote. Vote for unity, justice and important everyday issues. Vote against the politics of hatred, rhetoric and distraction," the Congress chief said.

"I think this is a very important election. I encourage all the youth to vote to save our Constitution and to vote in a way that brings positive change," he said.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar along with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar arrived at a polling booth in Delhi to cast their vote.

"When SP candidate Dharmendra Yadav loses from Azamgarh then he will understand that the Yadavs of Azamgarh have the capacity to win elections on their own and reach the Parliament," he said.

"It's a festival of democracy and I am so happy that I have voted for the development of the country, to make my country Vishwaguru, for the security of Jawans and the poor of the country. I have voted for the govt which can do all this. I request everyone to come out and vote," he said.

Congress has fielded Udit Raj from North West Delhi.

"Today is a very important day...We have campaigned for 84 days, it is a very long time. So we understood the pulse of the people very well. I have received immense blessings from the people. BJP is fighting elections on the basis of its report card of the last 10 years. We are winning the elections with more majority than last time," she said.

National Conference Leader Sakina Yatoo said, "It is ours to cast our vote...People have come in large numbers to cast their votes...There have been no developments and just slogans are being given. There is unemployment..."

Congress has fielded Syed Yashir Nawaz and BJD has fielded Manmath Kumar Routray from this seat.

President Droupadi Murmu showed her inked finger after casting her vote in Delhi.

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj cast his vote in the sixth phase of elections in Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday cast her vote in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the national capital.

"They (Congress) don't have votes here. The party which is rejected by the people and can't declare its candidate for 60 days, what can you expect from them?" he said.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh cast his vote in Delhi.

He said, "I appeal to the people to exercise their franchise, only then a strong government will be formed at the Centre..."

"Conducting free & fair elections is a matter of great pride for us and preparations for the same started months ago. We are adequately prepared. There is great enthusiasm among our staff & voters. We look forward to a peaceful day of voting...I appeal to everyone to exercise their right to vote," he said.

"The candidate chosen by Congress (Kanhaiya Kumar) has been abusing the army of the country. I think even the traditional voters will not vote for him. They will refuse to vote but will not cast their votes in his favour. We have to cast votes for the development of the country and for PM Modi," he said.

"PDP workers are being locked up in police stations without any reason. DG, LG, all officials from top to bottom are involved in this. They have locked up PDP polling agents in police stations. You had said that there will be free and fair elections but you are doing all this...Complaints are being received from places that efforts are being made to tamper the machines," she alleged.

"I have just come after casting my vote. I appeal to all the people of Delhi to come & cast their votes," she said after casting her vote.

"We have received official information that last evening, LG had called a meeting of Delhi Police officials and instructions were given to Delhi Police that all the areas which are stronghold of INDIA alliance, voting should be slowed down in those areas," she alleged.

"EVM is not working and I will speak to the returning officer and also request him for an extension of time," he said.

Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora casts his vote this morning in the national capital.

Delhi Minister Atishi arrived at a polling station in Delhi to cast her vote.

"Everyone knows that AAP-Congress are in alliance. I have been campaigning for 1.5 months. I can tell you that I will win with more than 5 lakh votes," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has fielded Mian Altaf Ahmad from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. PDP has fielded Mehbooba Mufti from this seat.

5T Chairman and BJD leader VK Pandian cast his vote in Bhubaneswar.

"This is my request and appeal to all the people of Delhi that please come out of your homes and cast your vote. This election is very important. Your vote plays a very important role in the development journey of the country," she said.

BJP candidate from Kurukshetra Naveen Jindal offered prayers at Siddheshwar Temple in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has fielded Mian Altaf Ahmad from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. PDP has fielded Mehbooba Mufti from this seat.

Former India Cricketer Gautam Gambhir cast his vote in Delhi.

Hena Shahab is contesting as an Independent from the seat. RJD has fielded Awadh Bihari Choudhary, JD(U) has fielded Vijaylakshmi Devi.

He said, "I appeal to people to come out and exercise their right to vote and vote for the change..."

She said, "I want to appeal to people to exercise their right to cast their votes for Viksit Bharat..."

BJP has fielded Harsh Malhotra from East Delhi Lok Sabha seat. AAP has fielded Kuldeep Kumar.

"I have offered prayers before casting my vote. I want to appeal to people to come out and cast their votes. I have the blessings of my family. I want to thank BJP and PM Modi for supporting and blessing me," he said.

RJD has fielded Awadh Bihari Choudhary & JD(U) has fielded Vijaylakshmi Devi from the seat.

"We have just cast our vote and I was the first male voter in this booth. We want people to come out and cast their votes as this is a decisive moment for the country," he said.

Odisha: BJP candidate from Puri Lok Sabha seat, Sambit Patra offered prayers at a temple in Puri.

"Come out in large numbers and vote. Political consciousness is very high in India. Shed your apathy...The issues are very clear, the issues are about development. But the issues that the opposition is framing, they try to create a false narrative in the process they score self-goals...They have lost it...We will have a hattrick in Delhi," he said.

CM Saini is BJP's candidate for Karnal Assembly by-polls.

BJP candidate from East Delhi Lok Sabha seat, Harsh Malhotra cast his vote today. AAP has fielded Kuldeep Kumar from East Delhi Lok Sabha seat.

The Delhi Police has made robust security arrangements for the Lok Sabha election in the city on Saturday, deploying over 60,000 personnel on the ground to ensure peaceful, free and fair polling, officials said. They said the city police are also maintaining a strict vigil in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. According to the department, 51 companies of paramilitary forces and 13,500 home guards from Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, besides drones and CCTV cameras will also strengthen the security apparatus. Voting for all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi began Saturday morning in the sixth phase of the general election.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, his wife Lakshmi Puri cast their votes at a polling booth in Delhi. All 7 seats in Delhi are going to polls today.

"I am very hopeful. For the last two months, I have been fighting on the ground.. in this temperature. The kind of response I have received… they were waiting for me to meet. I am very sure I am going to win this seat," she said.

"My appeal to the voters of Jharkhand is that you all must come out and vote. I have voted for the development. I am always interested in development. Because we have to create wealth then only it can be distributed. Nothing will eradicate poverty other than wealth. So wealth creation is possible only through development," he said after casting his vote.

"I have cast my vote. I appeal to the people to participate in this festival of democracy and also appeal to vote for the BJP party. The Congress candidate is not a challenge for me," he said.

"I have come here to take blessings from Jhandewali Mata and then I will also cast my vote," Swaraj said.

"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 specially urge women voters and youth voters to vote in large numbers," PM Modi posted on X.

Congress has fielded Divyanshu Budhiraja from this seat.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar arrived at a polling station in Delhi to cast his vote in the polls today.

"There is a sentiment for '400 paar' and there is no difficulty in crossing 400 seats...We've 37 allies and we will easily cross 400 seats. Shashi Tharoor should worry about his seat and the seats of the Congress party," Puri said.

Voting began on 58 seats spread across six states and two union territories which going to polls in the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections.

"5 phases of elections have been held..It became clear after the first 2 phases that "Dakshin mein BJP saaf aur Uttar mein half", so the INDIA alliance will get a clear and decisive mandate on 4th June and on the 4th the country will bid him (PM Modi) goodbye... I have full confidence that our alliance will win all seven seats in Delhi," he said.

"Today there is tremendous anger among the people against the Bharatiya Janata Party and Narendra Modi. Both Aam Aadmi Party and Congress will sweep the elections. We will win all seven seats in Delhi," he said.

West Bengal's 8 constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.

Delhi's all 7 Parliamentary constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.

AAP has fielded Somnath Bharti from the seat.

Jharkhand's 4 constituencies will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.

Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag-Rajouri constituency constituency will undergo polling in the 6th phase of the 2024 general elections.

The sixth phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will begin at 7 am. The voting will be held in 58 constituencies. The preparations have been completed for the same.