The grand finale of the world's largest democratic exercise began on Saturday with the seventh and final phase of voting in India's parliamentary elections. Starting at 7 am, voting commenced in the last 57 constituencies across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, concluding an extensive polling process that started on April 19.
With over 10.06 crore electors registered, including approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female, and 3574 third-gender voters, the Election Commission of India has been preparing for this significant day. Ahead of the official voting, mock polls were conducted at various booths nationwide, such as those in Jadavpur and Rashbehari Assembly constituencies in South Kolkata, and in Bihar's Karakat and Arrah constituencies.
"All the arrangements were well made by the Election Commission and DC," said Shivinder Deora, Presiding Officer at a polling booth in Amritsar, where 541 voters were expected to cast their votes.
Punjab's 13 parliamentary constituencies are among those voting today, alongside constituencies in Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chandigarh. Prominent candidates in this final phase include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Nishikant Dubey, and Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Charanjit Singh Channi. Notably, actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut is contesting in Mandi against Congress's Vikramaditya Singh, while Union Minister Anurag Thakur is in the fray from Hamirpur.
In addition to the parliamentary constituencies, six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh are also holding by-polls today. These seats, previously held by Congress, are crucial for the state's political landscape following cross-voting in recent Rajya Sabha elections.
The Election Commission has emphasized the extensive preparations made to ensure a smooth voting process. Polling stations have been equipped with basic facilities, including shade, drinking water, ramps, and toilets. In response to the weather, special measures have been implemented to manage the impact of heat and potential rainfall.
Despite challenging weather conditions, voter turnout in the past phases has been robust, with female turnout surpassing male turnout in the last two phases. The Election Commission has encouraged voters to participate actively, ensuring a secure and comfortable voting environment.
To facilitate the voting process, 13 special trains and 8 helicopter sorties have been deployed, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, to transport polling and security personnel. A comprehensive surveillance system, including 2707 flying squads and 2799 static surveillance teams, is in place to monitor and prevent any illegal activities.
The Commission has also maintained strict surveillance at 201 international border check posts and 906 inter-state border check posts to prevent illicit activities. Special attention has been given to ensure that every voter, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, can vote with ease.
