Lok Sabha Elections 2024: First Time Voter From From Amethi & Candidate, Smriti Arrives To Cast Vote

Voters across India are casting their ballots today in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, with polling stations open in 49 Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) spread over eight States and Union Territories (UTs). This phase also sees simultaneous elections for 35 Assembly seats in Odisha. In this phase, notable cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Lucknow and Kolkata are included. Voting, scheduled from 7 AM to 6 PM (timing may vary by constituency), has over 9.45 lakh polling officials on duty. A total of over 8.94 crore voters, comprising 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, are eligible to exercise their franchise. Several key battles are taking place in this phase across various states. In Uttar Pradesh Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are among those vying for victory. Uttar Pradesh also witnesses the Assembly bypoll for the Lucknow East constituency.