India General Election 2024  Updates: Varanasi and 56 Other Seats Go to Polls Today

India General Election 2024  Updates: Varanasi and 56 Other Seats Go to Polls Today

India General Election 2024  Updates: Varanasi and 56 Other Seats Go to Polls Today
The Indian Express

Voting Begins for the Final Phase Across Multiple States

01.06.2024: The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections has begun, with voters in 57 constituencies across West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh heading to the polls. This phase marks a crucial moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term in his constituency, Varanasi.

Congress Opts Out of Exit Poll Debates

The Congress party has chosen not to participate in any Lok Sabha exit poll debates on television channels. Congress spokesperson and media department chairperson Pawan Khera stated that the party does not wish to engage in speculation and ratings-driven slugfests. He emphasized that the voters’ decisions have been made, and their verdict is secure.

Complaints Lodged with Election Commission

The Congress has lodged 117 complaints with the Election Commission of India. These include 14 complaints against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 8 against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and 3 against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among others.

Tragic Loss of Poll Personnel in Uttar Pradesh

In a tragic incident, thirteen poll personnel deployed in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur have died at a local hospital. The principal of the hospital reported that the personnel succumbed to high fever and high blood pressure. The exact cause of their deaths is still being investigated. The deceased include seven home guard jawans, three sanitation workers, one clerk from the Chief Medical Officer’s office, one consolidation officer, and one peon from the home guard team.

Key Highlights:

  • Varanasi’s Significance: PM Modi seeks re-election in Varanasi.
  • Congress’s Strategy: No participation in exit poll debates.
  • Election Complaints: 117 complaints lodged by Congress.
  • Tragic Incident: Thirteen poll personnel die in Uttar Pradesh.
Source – The Hindu