Consumers across India will have to pay higher prices for vegetables till June due to above-normal temperatures. A report by CRISIL states that this trend, driven by erratic weather patterns and climate change, highlights the vulnerability of vegetable prices to environmental factors. The report further states India as one of the most climatically vulnerable countries, faces increasing risks to vegetable production and prices due to extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, flooding, and storms. Rising temperatures further exacerbate pest problems, adding to the challenges faced by farmers and consumers alike. The report also mentions that despite attempts by stakeholders to address the issue through various measures like creating buffer stocks and importing vegetables, the perishable nature of vegetables limits the effectiveness of such solutions. Additionally, India does not have adequate infrastructure such as cold storage facilities which further complicates the efforts to stabilize prices. During the fiscal 2024, India witnessed significant fluctuations in vegetable inflation, with prices soaring to high levels. While tomatoes and onions often grab headlines, other vegetables like garlic, ginger, brinjal, parwal, and beans also experienced sharp price increases. "Vegetable prices typically follow a seasonal pattern -- surging in summers and withering in winters when fresh stocks arrive in the market. This phenomenon did not play out in the winter of fiscal 2024" states the report. It further added "Vegetables were responsible for about 30% of food inflation in fiscal 2024, much higher than their 15.5% share in the food index". The impact of turbulent weather conditions, including El Nino-induced warmth and below-normal southwest monsoon, was evident in the disrupted supply chain and diminished crop yields. Rising temperatures exacerbate pest problems, further affecting vegetable production and prices. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an above-normal southwest monsoon this year but the distribution of rainfall remains a crucial factor. With above-normal temperatures expected until June, vegetable prices are likely to remain high in the coming months. As India grapples with the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events, stakeholders must prioritize resilience-building measures in the agricultural sector. Addressing infrastructure gaps and implementing sustainable farming practices are essential to mitigate the impact of climate variability on vegetable production and prices.With inputs from ANI
26 April,2024 03:30 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFormer India cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni or MS Dhoni as he is more popularly known is an inspirational figure for many. It doesn't take long for people to be follow anything he say. With the growing number of scams being reported in India daily through different methods including the police and celebrities, scammers are now using MS Dhoni to make money. Amid the ongoing cricket fever in the country, scamsters have been posing as Mahendra Singh Dhoni to con people on social media, the Department of Telecom (DoT) said on Friday, warning people against falling into the trap. The DoT in a post on X, alerted that scamsters are posing as the popular batsman and former Indian cricket team captain, and asking for money on Instagram. “Hi, I am MS Dhoni, messaging you from my private account. I am currently in the outskirts of Ranchi and I have forgotten my wallet. Could you please transfer ₹600 via PhonePe so I can return home by bus? I will send the money back once I am home," read the Instagram message’s screenshot shared by DoT. The message also included Dhoni’s “selfie” for “proof”. “Beware of scammers trying to bowl you out! If anyone claims to be the legendary @msdhoni seeking bus tickets, it's a googly you don't want to catch,” the DoT said, sharing the viral post on X that has so far garnered 332.1K views. “Report them faster than @msdhoni's stumpings on Chakshu at #SancharSaathi,” it added. DoT’s Sanchar Saathi portal is a web portal aimed to help Indian mobile users track and block lost smartphones and identity theft, forged KYC, using the CEIR module. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
26 April,2024 03:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAfter casting his vote, former ISRO Scientist Nambi Narayanan urged India's younger generation, many being first times voters, to exercise their right to vote. Conversing with ANI, Nambi Narayanan said, "The only message I will give to the younger generation is to make sure you vote and go to the polling booth at the earliest before the sun becomes very hot..." "In Kerala, we are about 2.77 crores of voters, out of which 5 lakhs are the first-time voters. I think first of all, they should be happy as they are part of the system...In Kerala, the community is more educated, I hope they understand who rules the centre and state...They also must fathom who is suitable for them. No matter whether you like the system or not; you should vote as it matters a lot," he added. Meanwhile, ISRO chief S Somanath cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram. Talking about his experience this year, Somanath said, "I am very happy to vote today. Each vote counts. Don't hesitate to come out to vote. Every election, this is my voting booth. For the last election too I voted here. I am happy that I could participate in this. There is good voter turnout and it is a good indication." "It is your right to vote, and pick your candidate. It comes once in every 5 years so I urge everybody to go out and cast your vote. I urge those who are sitting inside their homes, it is hot but the booths have all the facilities to enable you to vote without much trouble. This is your duty towards your country and if you do not vote you will miss your duty. So, I urge everybody to fulfil their responsibility and take 5 minutes time out and vote. The polling officials will help voters if they have any doubts," the ISRO Chief added. Kerala recorded 30.26 per cent turnout till 1:00 pm, according to data shared by the Election Commission (EC). Other states where there is high voter turnout are Chhattisgarh (53.09), Tripura (54.47), and Manipur 54.26). Maharashtra is witnessing low voter turnout, as the state has recorded 31.77 per cent. Voting for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 began at 7:00 am on Friday across 88 Parliamentary Constituencies spread over 12 States and Union Territories. With inputs from ANI
26 April,2024 02:52 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | mid-day online correspondentAs Karnataka entered the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in 14 of 28 constituencies on Friday, an estimated 38.23 per cent turnout was reported during the first half of the day. Out of 14 segments that are going to the polls today, the highest turnout of 48.10 per cent was recorded in Dakshina Kannada, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur 46.43 per cent, and the least 30.10 per cent in Bangalore Central. The turnout was 31.51 per cent in Bangalore South, and 32.25 per cent in Bangalore North. As stated by the election officials, 38.23 per cent of the electorate in the state had cast their vote till 1 PM. Voting began at 7.00 am and will end by 6.00 pm. In the first phase, the Congress is contesting in all 14 seats, BJP has fielded nominees in 11 and its alliance partner JD(S), which joined the National Democratic Alliance in (NDA) in September last year, in three -- Hassan, Mandya and Kolar. Besides those three, the segments where elections are being held on Friday are Udupi-Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South and Chikkaballapur. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress and JD(S), which were in alliance and in power in the state back then, had secured just one seat each in these 14 segments. The BJP had won in 11 and ensured the victory of a party supported independent candidate in Mandya. On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D K Shivakumar along with his family cast his vote at Doddalahalli in Kanakapura of Ramanagara district. Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh also cast her vote. Cricketing legend Anil Kumble, Ayodhya Ram Mandir's Ram lalla sculptor Arun Yogiraj and former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde were among prominent persons who cast their votes during the day, along with IT industry veterans Kris Gopalakrishnan and Mohandas Pai. Biotechnology veteran Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon, after casting her vote, in a post on social media platform X said, "As a responsible citizen of our great country, I have cast my vote. Jai hind" Film stars Upendra, Shivarajkumar and Sudeep too exercised their franchise during the first half of the day.With inputs from PTI
26 April,2024 02:21 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentFormer Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan casted his vote at a polling booth in Nanded. Later, he urged the general public to exercise their franchise in large numbers. During the Lok Sabha elections 2024 second phase, polling is being held in the state's eight Lok Sabha constituencies including Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, Buldhana and Parbhani. "My appeal to the people is to go and vote in large numbers. Contribute to the democratic process and vote because your vote is important in bringing a strong government," Chavan stated, urging widespread engagement in the electoral process. Also Read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Vote to protect democracy, says Rahul Gandhi to voters Following his scission from the Congress party, Ashok Chavan ahead of the Lok Sabha elections did not say anything. "I don't want to say anything. Whatever it is, the public will say," he said. Chavan highlighted the recent progress in addressing the demands of the Maratha community, noting the implementation of a 10% reservation for the group. "All the misunderstandings have been sorted, there is no doubt among the people. Marathas have got a 10% reservation," he asserted. Earlier, in February, after quitting the Congress party, the former Maharashtra CM joined the BJP, after "observing the mood of the nation." "In politics, you need to understand the mood of the nation. Considering the mood of the people, I decided to join the BJP. I won't comment on Congress, whatever happens in Congress it will be their karma. I respect Sonia Gandhi. I have just left the party, and I am not so big to comment on her," Chavan said.The second phase of voting in Maharashtra began on Friday. The second phase poll elections across the country has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies, notably, 20 seats in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir. Initially, 89 constituencies were scheduled to go to polls today, but following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party's candidate, the EC later announced that voting won't take place in Betul. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 first phase was held on April 19 across 21 states and UTs. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 third phase will be held on May 7. (With ANI Inputs)
26 April,2024 02:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA special polling booth with a forest theme is set up at the Kanakpura polling station to attract voters in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. In a bid to enhance voter engagement and raise awareness about forest conservation, the Kanakapura Forest Department has unveiled a unique initiative for the ongoing elections. The establishment of a special polling station, aptly named 'Adavi' (meaning forest), aims to immerse voters in a natural ambience while casting their ballots. Situated at the GTTC Polling Station No-79 in Kanakapura, Adavi offers voters an unparalleled experience akin to being amidst lush greenery. The traditional polling booth has been transformed into a serene forest setting, complete with indigenous flora and thematic decorations. "We have set up this booth on the theme of the forest here in Kanakapura as climate change is a big issue... we need to create awareness among voters to save forests and water," Kanakapura Municipality Commissioner Mahadev Swamy told ANI. The officers are also here distributing saplings to voters who participate in the voting process as part of an awareness program to conserve forests and water.Upon entering the polling station, voters are greeted with the sight of a 'chappar,' a special flower native to the forest, adorning the entrance. A variety of 'torans' (decorative door hangings) and strategically placed plants further enhance the forest-like atmosphere, creating a tranquil environment for voters. The initiative goes beyond aesthetic appeal, as the Forest Department aims to leverage the unique setting to educate voters about the importance of forest conservation. Through engaging displays and informational materials, voters are encouraged to understand and contribute to the preservation of natural habitats. In a gesture of appreciation for participating in the democratic process, Forest Department staff members are distributing plants to voters upon casting their ballots. This not only fosters a sense of environmental responsibility but also serves as a tangible reminder of the connection between democracy and environmental stewardship. Speaking about the initiative, a representative from the Kanakapura Forest Department highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to civic engagement. "By blending nature with democracy, we hope to inspire citizens to become advocates for environmental conservation while exercising their democratic rights," they remarked. The establishment of the Adavi polling station underscores the commitment of the Kanakapura Forest Department to promote sustainable practices and community involvement. As voters flock to this unique polling station, it serves as a testament to the power of creativity in fostering civic participation and environmental consciousness. Karnataka is voting on 14 seats today in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024. The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies across 13 States/Union Territory, including 13 in Rajasthan, 20 in Kerala, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir. 34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their votes. Additionally, there are 3.28 crore young voters in the age group of 20-29 years. 1202 candidates (males: 1098; females: 102; third gender: 02 are in the fray.
26 April,2024 01:43 PM IST | Kanakpura | ANINC leader Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday asked the Election Commission not to postpone polls in Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. The former chief ministers appealed after the EC sought a report from Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and the Chief Electoral Officer on representations submitted by some parties and three candidates seeking rescheduling of elections in the constituency due to adverse weather conditions, including snowfall on the Mughal road. "I appeal to the EC that such a step should not be taken. The demand for postponement is not from all parties. The weird thing is that some of the people who have written to the EC are not contesting. If I write to the EC about constituencies in Tamil Nadu etc. will they take notice," he told a press conference in Srinagar. Speaking to reporters in the Surankote area of Poonch district, Mehbooba said, "They all have ganged up against me because they do not want to see me in Parliament. The people, cutting across religious and party lines, are coming forward in my support and they are, therefore, using the Election Commission to defer and rig the elections". The PDP leader said she travelled through the Mughal road which was recently opened for traffic. "There is no justification in deferring voting in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat. My request to the Election Commission is not to postpone the elections when only 10 days are left in the polling. This will send the wrong message and will have serious consequences," she said before leaving for Mendhar town to carry forward her campaign. Mehbooba referred to the alleged rigging in the 1987 assembly elections leading to the eruption of militancy in J-K, and said, "We request Election Commission not to do such an adventure as the people in J-K have already suffered a lot and have little faith left in the electoral process." She said former prime minister A B Vajpayee had to give an assurance to the people of J-K about free and fair elections from the ramparts of the Red Fort, and "They (BJP) are trying to make it stained once again"You have already not left much with the people of J-K except a vote. You are trying to repeat 1987 which caused bloodshed and turned the valley into a graveyard." Mehbooba said they first reshaped the Anantnag parliamentary constituency, using delimitation as an attempt to rig the elections in their favour. "Don't they know that the Mughal road traditionally remains closed for six months but they joined parts on both sides of Pir Panjal just to rig elections. This is not happening anywhere else in the country," she said. She said the BJP has a lot of money and can press helicopters in service for those they are supporting. "We are the only part which lacks resources and our workers are spending from their own pockets for the past 25 days which we cannot continue for the next 20 days in case polls are postponed." When asked about the apprehensions of poll postponement in Anantnag-Rajouri, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the EC is an independent institution and whatever decision it takes with regard to elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat will be followed by the BJP. Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency is scheduled to go to polls in the third phase on May 7 to decide the fate of 21 candidates, including Mehbooba, who is facing a major challenge from National Conference leader and former minister Mian Altaf. DPAP's Mohammad Saleem Parray and Apni Party's Zafar Iqbal Manhas are also among the contestants in the fray, while BJP has not fielded any candidate and is contemplating its support to one of the contestants not linked to Congress, NC and PDP. Among those who have submitted their representation to the EC include J-K BJP chief Ravinder Raina, Apni party president Altaf Bukhari, DPAP candidate, Peoples Conference leader Imran Reza Ansari and two independent candidates. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Vikar Rasool Wani claimed that the BJP and its 'B-teams' have moved the Election Commission as they are facing "significant defeat" from the INDIA alliance candidate. The Congress is supporting the National Conference from the constituency as part of a sharing agreement among INDIA bloc partners. "I am not surprised by the recent actions of BJP and its A, B, C D teams. They have once again proven me right by mobilising together under the direction of 'Big Boss' in Nagpur. They know that they are likely to face a significant defeat in the Rajouri-Anantnag Parliamentary Segment, as INDIA (bloc) is winning with a huge thumping of votes," Wani said. He said despite their attempts to reschedule the poll date and use all tactics, the INDIA alliance will still "emerge victorious" This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 April,2024 12:53 PM IST | Srinagar/Jammu | PTIThe Supreme Court on Friday rejected pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) and said "blindly distrusting" any aspect of the system can breed unwarranted scepticism. Maintaining that "democracy is all about striving to build harmony and trust between all institutions", a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta delivered two concurring verdicts and dismissed all the pleas in the matter, including those seeking to go back to ballot papers in elections. The court issued two directives. Pronouncing his verdict, Justice Khanna directed the Election Commission to seal and store units used to load symbols for 45 days after the symbols have been loaded into electronic voting machines in strong rooms. The apex court also allowed engineers of the EVM manufacturers to verify the microcontroller of the machines after declaration of the results on the request of candidates who stood second and third. Request for the verification of the microcontroller can be made within seven days of declaration of the results after payment of fees, the court said. "If EVM is found tampered during verification, fees paid by the candidates will be refunded," it said. An EVM comprises three units -- ballot unit, control unit and the VVPAT. All three are embedded with microcontrollers which have a burnt memory from the manufacturer. Currently, the Election Commission conducts random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs at five polling booths per assembly constituency. "While maintaining a balanced perspective is crucial in evaluating systems or institutions, blindly distrusting any aspect of the system can breed unwarranted scepticism...," Justice Datta said. The bench suggested the poll panel examine whether electronic machines can be used for counting VVPAT slips and also whether bar codes can be used for parties along with their symbols. Besides seeking to return to the ballot paper system, the three petitions before it had prayed that VVPAT slips should be given to the voter to verify and put in the ballot box for counting and there should be 100 per cent counting of VVPAT slips, the bench said. "We have rejected all of them," Justice Khanna said. Hearing the matter on April 24, the bench had said it cannot "control the elections" or issue directions simply because doubts have been raised about the efficacy of EVM. The petitions had claimed the polling devices can be tinkered with to manipulate the results. NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, one of the petitioners, had sought reversal of the poll panel's 2017 decision to replace the transparent glass on VVPAT machines with an opaque glass through which a voter can see the slip only when the light is on for seven seconds. The petitioners have also sought the court's direction to revert to the old system of ballot papers. The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls began on April 19 and will conclude with the announcement of results on June 4. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 April,2024 12:29 PM IST | Delhi | PTIA voter turnout of 33.22 per cent was recorded till 11 am on Friday as polling was underway in the remaining parts of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency amid tight security, officials said. Voting for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 was underway at 857 polling stations, spanning 13 assembly segments in eight districts, they said. In the first two hours, the Tengnoupal assembly segment recorded the highest turnout at 45.28 per cent, while the Jiribam assembly segment recorded the lowest at 23.24 per cent. Fifteen assembly segments of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency went to the polls in the first phase on April 19 along with the whole of the Inner Manipur seat. Four candidates are in the fray in Outer Manipur -- NPF's K Timothy Zimik, Congress's Alfred Kanngam Arthur, and Independents S Kho John and Alyson Abonmai. The BJP has not fielded any candidate and is backing its ally, the NPF. Over 4.84 lakh people are eligible to vote in this phase. Security measures have been significantly enhanced across all 13 assembly segments where polling was underway, with 87 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and 4,000 state police personnel deployed to ensure free and fair elections. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 April,2024 12:29 PM IST | Imphal | PTIAs polling for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday urged voters to come out and vote to protect democracy from the clutches of dictatorship. In a fervent appeal to voters, he said this is not an ordinary election and they should not be swayed by any diversionary tactics. He said the Constitution should reverberate in their hearts before they push to voting button. Kharge also appealed to first time voters to come out in large numbers and vote as they were the real changemakers in this movement for democracy. "'We, the people of India' - this soul of the Constitution of India, should reverberate in your hearts and minds, before you push the voting button. Do not forget that this is not an ordinary election. It is an election to protect Democracy from the clutches of dictatorship," he said in his message on X. "To all my dear citizens, from 89 Constituencies in 13 States and UTs, do not get swayed by any diversionary tactics and lies. Always make your vote count. For it may change the lives of 140 crore Indians by bringing the paradigm of Yuva Nyay, Nariman Nyay, Kishan Nyay, Shramik Nyay and Hissedari Nyay," Kharge said. Imagine a future where justice, freedom, equality and liberty is guaranteed, the Congress chief said, adding future where rapid inclusive growth and transformative policies are guaranteed. "My dear first time voters, cut the clutter and distance the din, for you are the real changemakers and I welcome each one of you in this movement for Democracy," he added. Voting began at 7 am on Friday. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 is being held in seven phases till June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4. According to the Election Commission of India, 88 constituencies across 13 states and union territories are set to go for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Kerala has the highest number of constituencies as all 20 seats will poll today, followed by Karnataka with 14 seats. The other states that will go to poll on Friday include Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Manipur. The poll for the Jammu parliamentary seat will also be held on Friday. As many as 1202 candidates, including 1098 males and 102 females are in the fray. There are 8.08 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters among the electorates who will decide the fate of candidates. As many as 5,929 third-gender electors will also exercise their franchise in the second phase of polls. The first phase of voting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections 2024, the world's largest electoral exercise, was held on April 19 in 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs. According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout registered was over 62 per cent. The third phase election will be held on May 7.
26 April,2024 11:53 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid polling for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that these elections are going to decide the fate of the country adding that each vote will decide whether the next government will be of "a few billionaires" or of 140 crore Indians. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "My dear countrymen! Today is the second phase of this historic election which is going to decide the fate of the country. Your vote will decide whether the next government will be of 'a few billionaires' or of '140 crore Indians'. Therefore, it is the duty of every citizen to step out of their homes today and become a 'soldier of the Constitution' and vote to protect democracy." Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called on people to participate in voting in large numbers and emphasised that every vote counts. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "This election is to save the country's democracy and constitution. This election is to provide relief to the people struggling with unemployment, inflation, corruption and economic hardship." "I appeal to you, my countrymen, to vote in large numbers, vote on your issues and this time form a people's government that works only for you," she added. Voting began at 7 am on Friday. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 is being held in seven phases till June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4. According to the Election Commission of India, 88 constituencies across 13 states and union territories are set to go for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Initially, 89 constituencies were scheduled to go to polls today. However, the EC later announced that the voting in Madhya Pradesh's Betul would not take place during the second phase due to the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate. Kerala has the highest number of constituencies as all 20 seats will poll today, followed by Karnataka with 14 seats. The other states that will go to poll on Friday include Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Manipur. The poll for the Jammu parliamentary seat will also be held on Friday. As many as 1202 candidates, including 1098 males and 102 females are in the fray. There are 8.08 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters among the electorates who will decide the fate of candidates. As many as 5,929 third-gender electors will also exercise their franchise in the second phase of polls. The first phase of voting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections 2024, the world's largest electoral exercise, was held on April 19 in 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs. According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout registered was over 62 per cent. The third phase election will be held on May 7. (With inputs from Agencies)
26 April,2024 11:45 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
