In the throes of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Monday marked the culminating voting day for the fifth phase. This phase was particularly critical as the fate of several political veterans was on the line, now sealed within the EVMs, with results awaited until June 4th. Before the 14-day wait, a glimpse at the fifth phase voting turnout unveils some surprises.
Baramulla Outvotes Mumbai in Election Spiritedness
The reason... On one side, there’s the glittering city of Mumbai, with Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, former Miss World Aishwarya Rai amongst other celebrities lining up to vote. Yet, Mumbai's total voting turnout? A meager 34 percent. In contrast, West Bengal leads with 73 percent, but it was Baramulla, in Kashmir, that outperformed with an exuberance exemplifying the true spirit of democracy.
Source: aajtak
First Voting in Kashmir Since Article 370 Abrogation
Monday's elections in Baramulla were the first since Kashmir's liberation following the abrogation of Article 370. It is noteworthy that by afternoon, voter turnout had already surpassed the entire 2019 voting percentage. By 1 PM, Baramulla had a 34.69 percent turnout, compared to 2019's 34.60 percent. By the evening, the total voter turnout exceeded 55 percent, breaking a 40-year record in the Valley.
Kashmiris, long enduring extremism, terror, and pain, demonstrated enthusiasm on Monday, proving they're now unchained from fear and eager to partake in the dawn of democracy.
Source: aajtak
Voting in Srinagar Brings PM Modi Joy
The early morning queues at polling booths across Kashmir expressed the joy of the region in this festival of democracy. PM Modi, in an interview with Aaj Tak, mentioned that 'the voting in Srinagar in these elections was his most satisfactory moment.' It’s worth mentioning that Srinagar had voted in the fourth phase.
Salman, Shah Rukh, and Aamir Cast Votes, but the Real Heroes are the People of Kashmir
While Salman Khan and others arrived in Mumbai for the fifth phase, the real attention-grabbers were the voters in Kashmir's Bandipora. Mumbai's Amir Khan family voted, as did Deepika and Ranveer. Hrithik Roshan showed up at the polls, but the true stars are the voters from Badgam's Soibug.
Responding to Bullets of Terrorism with the Ballot of Democracy
Places like Handwara, Uri, Bandipora, Kupwara, Badgam, and Sopore, synonymous with decades of terrorist incidents, responded with the ballot of democracy. Post Article 370's abrogation, people in Baramulla Lok Sabha have left even Mumbai, the economic capital, behind in voter turnout this time.
Where and How Much Voting Occurred
Source: aajtak
Voters Share Their Joy Post-Voting, Find Out What They Said
Badgam voters expressed satisfaction after casting votes. A first-time voter relayed to Aaj Tak that they had boycotted twice before but now seek change in Kashmir. A voter from Bandipora said, 'We came wholeheartedly to vote, and at least 90 percent change will follow.' Soibug residents voted with the belief that their issues, long unresolved despite past efforts, should be addressed, harnessing the potential within the youth.
Within the first hundred days of winning the 2019 elections, Modi's government liberated Kashmir from the ages-old chains of Article 370. Following this, Baramulla Lok Sabha observed over 54.21 percent voting by 5 PM, breaking a 35-year record.
When Did Kashmir Witness Such Voting?
Source: aajtak
Compared with other regions, Baramulla's voter turnout of over 54 percent by evening sets a new record. Monday's emphatic voting triggered political analysts to ponder the reasons behind such enthusiastic participation.
If pundits are to be believed, there are particular factors behind the surge in Baramulla's voting percentage.
1. Improved Security Environment:
For the first time in three decades, no terrorist violence occurred during voting, and no boycotts were declared, allowing the common man to vote without fear.
2. Impact of Article 370 Revocation:
In the past five years, there have been political activities following Article 370's repeal.
Source: aajtak
3. Bureaucracy Fatigue:
People complained about limited access to government offices, impacting issue resolutions as expected in a democratic system.
4. Engineer Rashid Factor:
The incarcerated politician Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, has run a successful campaign despite being behind bars.
Monday Saw Over 59% Voting
Comparing Mumbai and Baramulla's turnout, the data recorded until 5 PM is telling. Subsequent updates from the election commission revealed a total turnout of over 59% in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections across six states and two Union Territories, covering 49 constituencies. West Bengal witnessed sporadic violence, and there were reports of EVM issues in Odisha and slow voting in Maharashtra.
Regional Voting Percentages
West Bengal reached the highest with 73.14 percent, while Maharashtra had the least at 53.51 percent. Voter turnouts in Mumbai's constituencies ranged from 46 to nearly 54 percent. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout app, Thane registered 49.81 percent voting.
Lok Sabha 5th Phase Voting Percentage 59.80%
Bihar 54.58 %
Jharkhand 63.07 % Ladakh 68.47 %
Maharashtra 54.29 %
Odisha 66.28 % Uttar Pradesh 57.79 %
West Bengal 73.69 %
