The Election Commission (ECI) reported that the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polling on May 20 witnessed a voter turnout of 23.66 percent across 49 parliamentary constituencies spanning six states and two Union Territories (UTs). By 11 am, Bihar recorded a 21.11 percent turnout, Jammu and Kashmir 21.37 percent, Jharkhand 26.18 percent, Ladakh 27.87 percent, Maharashtra 15.93 percent, Odisha 21.07 percent, and West Bengal 32.70 percent.
According to the ECI, over 8.95 crore voters, comprising 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, will determine the fate of 695 candidates in this phase. Key contests are observed in various constituencies, with leaders like Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya vying for electoral success.
The eight states/UTs participating in phase 5 are Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Cities such as Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow are part of this phase, historically affected by urban apathy towards voting.
Out of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh has 14, Maharashtra 13, West Bengal 7, Bihar 5, Jharkhand 3, Odisha 5, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
To ensure a peaceful environment for voters, extensive surveillance measures are in place across 94,732 polling stations. This includes 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams. Additionally, 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts are closely monitoring any illicit activities related to liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies. Strict surveillance is also maintained on sea and air routes, as per the ECI’s directives.
