North states Lok Sabha Election 2019 Voting Updates: Anantnag sees dismal 9% turnout till 5 pm; alleged fake polling reported in Barmer

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest update

SP demands UP DGP be replaced

The party has alleged that large-scale EVM snags are taking because of his directives.

Input by Saurabh Sharma/101Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

90-year-old casts vote

90-year-old Inayat resident of Adreem Ka Tala village in Chohtan, Barmer being brought to a polling station to cast her vote

Input by Mukesh Mathrani/101Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

Congress polling agent severely injured during tussle over fake voting

A Congress polling agent, Megharam Choudhary, got severely injured during a tussle over fake voting at Raniwada region of Rajpura village. He has been admitted to Bhinmaal hospital

Input by Rajendra Sharma/101Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

Case lodged against miscreants for attempting fake voting

Chohtan police in Barmer has lodged a case against ten people for allegedly trying to cast fake vote.

Circle officer Ajeet Singh confirmed the report. Police said that polling agent Mula Ram had lodged a case against 10 people who forced him to allow fake voting at Sherpura polling station under Chohtan police station area in Barmer.

He alleged that when he protested against the fake voting, the accused beat him up. On basis of complaint, police have lodged the case under sections of 143, 341, 323, 452, 365 and 511 of IPC.

Input by Mukesh Mathrani/101Reports

Voter turnouts in North states till 5 pm

Bihar: 44.33%
Jammu and Kashmir: 9.37%
Jharkhand: 57.13%
Madhya Pradesh: 57.77%
Maharashtra: 42.24%
Rajasthan: 54.52%
Uttar Pradesh: 44.95%

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Vehicle with posters of Congress leader enters polling station

A vehicle with posters of Congress candidate for Jodhpur Vaibhav Gehlot entered a polling booth in Jodhpur.

BJP candidate Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed objection over the car with posters of Vaibhav Gehlot.

This incident took place at Bhagwasiya School Booth. It is booth number 61 to 65 in Jodhpur.

Input by Rajendra Sharma/101Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

Congress candidate in Udaipur casts vote

Raghuvir Singh Meena, Congress Candidate for Lok Sabha elections in Udaipur LS constituency, cast his vote at Parsad village in Udaipur.

Input by Sohail Khan/101 Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest update

Man carries father on shoulder to polling station

Rajendra Kumar, a resident of Nighasan in Lakhimpur Kheri, carried his father Pyare Lal on his shoulder to the Rakehati polling station.

Input by Gopal Giri/101Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

Police officer found drunk on duty in Sangod

A police officer was found drunk while on duty at Chatarpura polling booth in Sangod under Kota LS constituency.

The police officer underwent a medical check up. He was suspended by the returning officer.

Input by Rajendra Sharma/101 Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

People in Barmer allege Congress workers forced them to vote for Congress candidate

A group of people in bordering Arta village in Chohtan block in Barmer alleged that Congress workers forced them to vote for the Congress candidate.

They claimed that when they did not give in, the accused manhandled them. However, police has claimed it was a tussle between two groups due to old rivalry.

The situation has been controlled and polling has been resumed. 
Three people got injured in the incident.

Input by Mukesh Mathrani/101 Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

Tussle reported between two groups in Raniwad

Tussle between two groups in Gaang village of Raniwad created a chaos. The argument was over the issue of fake voting.

Input by Rajendra Sharma/ 101 Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest update

Villagers in Sobdavas boycott polling

Voters in Sobdavas have boycotted polling. No one has gone to vote in the village. MLA Shobha Chauhan has reached the spot to speak to the villagers.

Input by Rajendra Sharma/101 Reporters

Jharkhand election voting latest update

50 names missing from voters’ list in Sisai

Around 50 names were found missing from voters’ list at the Girls Middle School in Sisai, part of Lohardaga Lok Sabha constituency.

Iltap Hussain and Majeed Khan are among the two in the list who had voted earlier, but find their names missing in this year’s lists. 

Input by Anand Dutta/101Reporters

Voter turnouts in North states till 3 pm

Bihar: 37.71%
Jammu and Kashmir: 8.19%
Jharkhand: 48.14%
Madhya Pradesh: 45.80%
Maharashtra: 31.63%
Rajasthan: 44.80%
Uttar Pradesh: 35.84%

Jharkhand election voting latest update

102-year-old woman votes in Chatra

A 102-year-old old woman from Tatara village, part of Chatra Lok Sabha constituency, exercised her right to vote.

She walked to the polling booth to cast her vote. She urged others to vote.

Input by Anand Dutta/101Reporters

Jammu and Kashmir election voting latest update

Polling underway in Bumthan

Jammu and Kashmir: Polling underway at polling booth number 63 in Bumthan, Qazigund. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/bkkjMD6N2S

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Villagers in Sirohi allege BLO was asking voters to vote for specific party

Villagers in Rajasthan’s Sirohi allege the Booth Level Officer (BLO) was asking voters to vote for a specific party at booth number 113 in Sarupganj.

Tehsildar Brijesh Gupta and police reached the spot. The BLO was immediately changed.

Input by Rajendra Sharma/101 Reporters

Jammu and Kashmir election voting latest updates

13 out of 2,300 turn up to Yaripora polling booth

At the Girls Higher Secondary School at Yaripora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam, which is also a base camp for CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police, out of 2,300 voters 13 people have turned up to cast votes.

The area has a population of around 4,500, with most voters saying they decided to boycott the polls as they were angry with ‘continuous harassment’ of locals by the government.

Inputs by Mudassir Kuloo, 101 Reporters

Varanasi election voting latest updates

SP nominates former BSF man to take on Modi

Samajwadi Party (SP) has nominated former BSF man Tej Bahadur from Varanasi to take on Narendra Modi. Shalini Yadav, who had been nominated for the seat first, will withdraw her nomination.

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Road accident victim arrives to vote

Despite being injured in a road accident, one Pintu Das Rangaswami came out to vote in Udaipur.

Inputs by Sohail Khan, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Samajwadi Party leader writes to EC over defunct EVM

Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Arvind Kumar Singh has penned another letter to the Election Commission apprising them about the defunct EVM at booth 175 in Kannauj.

Inputs by Saurabh Sharma, 101 Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Case registered against person who threatened Kanpur cops

A police case has been registered against the person who misbehaved with the Circle Officer in Kanpur, believed to be a close aide of a BJP minister. 

Inputs by Saurabh Sharma, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

State records 34.42% voter turnout at 2 pm

The constituency-wise voter turnout figures from Uttar Pradesh at 2 pm, according to the  Google app , are as follows:

• Shahjahanpur 33.84%
• Kheri 39.01%
• Hardoi 32.89%
• Misrikh 32.08%
• Unnao 33.20%
• Farrukhabad 9% 33.02%
• Etawah 33.55%
• Kannauj 32.26%
• Kanpur 34.32%
• Akbarpur 32.98%
• Jalaun 33.93%
• Jhansi 39.18%
• Hamirpur 37.05%

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

State records 44.62% voter turnout at 2 pm

The constituency-wise voter turnout figures from Rajasthan at 2 pm, according to the  Google app , are as follows:

• Tonk-Sawai Madhopur 39.15%
• Ajmer 42.56%
• Pali 42.41%
• Jodhpur 47.85%
• Barmer 51.90%
• Jalore 44.49%
• Udaipur 45.98%
• Banswara 47.14%
• Chhitorgarh 44.15%
• Rajsamand 42.43%
• Bhilwara 42.23%
• Kota 43.46%
• Jhalawar-Baran 46.48%

Madhya Pradesh election voting latest updates

State records 43.44% voter turnout at 2 pm

The constituency-wise voter turnout figures from Madhya Pradeshat 2 pm, according to the  Google app , are as follows:

• Sidhi 34.95%
• Shahdol 45.88%
• Jabalpur 44.39%
• Mandla 44.01%
• Balaghat 46.32%
• Chhindwara 45.89%

Jharkhand election voting latest updates

State records 44.90% voter turnout at 2 pm

The constituency-wise voter turnout figures from Jharkhand at 2 pm, according to the  Google app , are as follows:

• Chatra 45.09%
• Lohardaga 46.73%
• Palamu 43.56%

Jammu and Kashmir election voting latest updates

State records 6.66% voter turnout at 2 pm

The Anantnag voter turnout at 2 pm, according to the Google app was 6.66%.

BIhar election voting latest updates

State records 37.71% voter turnout at 2 pm

The constituency-wise voter turnout figures from Bihar at 2 pm, according to the Google app , are as follows:

• Darbhanga 36.86%
• Ujiarpur 37.12%
• Samastipur 39.81%
• Begusarai 39.04%
• Munger 35.71%

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Booth-level officers get notices for not making necessary arrangements

Two Pratapgarh booth-level officers, Harish Rote and Mukesh Jain, have received notices for not making the necessary arrangements at booth numbers 79 and 80. Arrangements for drinking water were immediately made after instructions were received from district election officer Shyam Singh Rajpurohit.

Inputs by Rajendra Sharma, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

BJP leader’s aide puts cop on ‘hit list’

Suresh Awasthi, who is close to Uttar Pradesh minister Satish Mahana, threatened the Kanpur Circle Officer (Police) Janardan Dubey after being refused entry into a booth. He can be heard telling a cop that he is in his ‘hit list’.

Inputs by Saurabh Sharma, 101 Reporters

Rajasthan election polling latest updates

No roads, villagers boycott polls

Polling was boycotted at Bhagwanpura polling booth in Khanpur of Jhalawar. Khanpur SDM Pramod Kumar Singhvi reached the spot and spoke to the villagers. The boycott was initiated because roads were not constructed in the village, said villagers. DSP Bhanwar Singh and CI Kamal Meena have also reached the spot.

Inputs by Ranjendra Sharma, 101 Reporters

Maharashtra election voting latest updates

No voting, no shaving in Navapur 

Jitendra Bhadane of Sai Saloon opened his shop located at Dr Ambedkar Chowk at 7.15 am only after casting his vote. He has asked customers to come for a shave only after voting. Those who showed him the ink mark got a 50 percent discount. 

Inputs by Mahesh Joshi, 101Reporters

Bihar election polling latest updates

Ayushman Bharat poster removed from Patepur

A poster with steps to get a card for Ayushman Bharat made was seen at booth number 27, 28 and 29 in Patepur, a part of the Ujiarpur Lok Sabha constituency. In the poster, there is a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Local police deployed at the booth removed the poster.

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

2 voters die in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan; polling official passes away after slipping on stairs

An elderly woman passed away right after casting her vote in booth number 20 of Rajsamand in Rajasthan. In Jodhpur, Shaitan Singh, a booth-level officer at Setrava village died after slipping down the stairs while on duty. He had reached the booth on Sunday evening and was sleeping on the terrace. While descendind in the morning, he slipped, fell and succumbed to his injuries.  

One Ompal Singh, a resident of Baghauli village in Hardoi died while he was standing in line to vote. He was rushed to the hospital and declared dead.  

Inputs by Sanjeev Anand and Rajendra Sharma,101 Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election polling latest updates

Hardoi area suffers govt apathy, protests with zero turnout

Booth number 234 in Sandila of Hardoi has not witnessed any voter since morning as villagers have been boycotting polls owing to non development. The Sandila area is infamous for prostitution and has seen lack of development because politicians do not want to go there.

Inputs by Sanjeev Anand, 101 Reporters

Bihar election polling latest updates

Poll officer subjected to thrashings after names ‘missing’ from list

A booth level officer was dragged out of booth 167 at Chhibramau in Kannauj after several voters failed to find their names on the voters list.

Inputs by Saurabh Sharma, 101 Reporters

#LokSabhaElections2019 | A booth level officer was dragged out of booth 167 at #Chhibramau in #Kannauj after several voters failed to find their names on the voters list. Follow LIVE updates of the #UttarPradesh election: https://t.co/vDvOYgezK7 pic.twitter.com/RWhMosz6kS

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Bihar election polling latest updates

Jute mill closed for two years, Samastipur locals boycott polls

People have boycotted voting in booth numbers 215, 216, 214, 211, 210, 212 and 213 of Samastipur Lok Sabha constituency as the Rameshwar Jute Mill has been closed for two years now. Till now, zero votes have been cast. 

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election polling latest updates

Returning officer suspended after woman alleges she was asked to vote for BJP

A woman in the Dateli village of Lakhimpur Kheri district has alleged that the returning officer had asked her to press the button of BJP’s symbol. The returning officer Pradeep Kumar was suspended immediately after this incident came to the notice of district administration.

Inputs by Gopal Giri, 101 Reporters

#VotingRound4 | A woman in the Dateli village of Lakhimpur Kheri district has alleged that the returning officer had asked her to press the button of #BJP's symbol. Follow LIVE updates of #LokSabhaElections2019 at https://t.co/vDvOYgezK7 pic.twitter.com/iHgjmxvtZc

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Rajasthan election polling latest updates

Man breaks ballot unit after delay

A man broke the ballot unit at Harsani polling booth in Barmer as he was upset with the delay in polling. He said he had to wait for a long time in a queue. Officials replaced the unit, after which polling continued.

Inputs by Mukesh Mathrani, 101 Reporters

Bihar election polling latest updates

Clash between cops, stone-pelters in Lakhisarai

Police and people are now engaged in a clash at Rampur polling booth in Lakhisarai, a part of Munger Lok Sabha constituency. Police said they had to resort to lathi-charge as protesters had started stone pelting. Both the District Magistrate and Superintendent of the Police are present at the scene right now.

Inputs by Happy Singh Chawla, 101Reporters

Bihar election polling latest updates

Maoist-dominated segment sees enthusiasm from voters

Patepur is one of the six Assembly segments in Ujiarpur Lok Sabha seat in Bihar which is affected by left-wing extremism. Voters have started queuing up at polling booths in Patepur since early morning amid tight security arrangements. BJP state chief Nityanand Rai and Upendra Kushwaha, chief of the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, are among the top contenders in Ujiarpur, while BSP’s Navin Kumar and Ajay Kumar of the CPI-M are also in contest.

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

Jammu and Kashmir election voting latest updates

Stone pelting at Kulgam amidst shutdown

Several incidents of stone pelting took place Monday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is underway for election to the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, police said.

“Isolated incidents of stone pelting near polling stations have been reported from various parts of Kulgam district but the situation is under control due to timely action of security forces,” a police official said. He said there were no reports of anyone getting hurt in the stone pelting incidents so far.

PTI

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

State records 21.18  % voter turnout at noon

The constituency-wise voter turnout in Uttar Pradesh, according to the  Google app , at noon are as follows:

• Shahjahanpur 21.66%
• Kheri 23.52%
• Hardoi 21.01%
• Misrikh 21.37%
• Unnao 21.23%
• Farrukhabad 21.68%
• Etawah 19.13%
• Kannauj 18.31%
• Kanpur 19.88%
• Akbarpur 19.62%
• Jalaun 18.84%
• Jhansi 25.33%
• Hamirpur 23.31%

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

State records 29.19  % voter turnout at noon

The constituency-wise voter turnout in Rajasthan, according to the  Google app , at noon are as follows:

• Tonk-Sawai Madhopur 23.99%
• Ajmer 28.61%
• Pali 25.77%
• Jodhpur 29.85%
• Barmer 33.01%
• Jalore 30.07%
• Udaipur 29.39%
• Banswara 31.25%
• Chhitorgarh 30.04%
• Rajsamand 29.13%
• Bhilwara 28.88%
• Kota 28.87%
• Jhalawar-Baran 30.90%

Maharashtra election voting latest updates

State records 16.47% voter turnout at noon

The constituency-wise voter turnout in Maharashtra, according to the  Google app , at noon are as follows:

• Nandurbar 21.93%
• Dhule 18.12%
• Dindori 19.70%
• Nashik 14.45%
• Palghar 20.22%
• Bhiwandi 14.09%
• Kalyan 8.12%
• Thane 12.94%
• Mumbai North 19.11%
• Mumbai North West 17.21%
• Mumbai North East 18.14%
• Mumbai North Central 12.23%
• Mumbai South Central 17.05%
• Mumbai South 15.06%
• Maval 18.04%
• Shirur 16.21%
• Shirdi 19.82%

Madhya Pradesh election voting latest updates

State records 26.62% voter turnout at noon

The constituency-wise voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh, according to the  Google app , at noon are as follows:

• Sidhi 22.84%
• Shahdol 31.09%
• Jabalpur 22.44%
• Mandla 27.47%
• Balaghat 28.82%
• Chhindwara 27.69%

Jharkhand election voting latest updates

State records 29.21% voter turnout at noon

The constituency-wise voter turnout in Jharkhand, according to the  Google app , at noon are as follows:

• Chatra 29.12%
• Lohardaga 28.78%
• Palamu 29.57%

Bihar election voting latest updates

State records 18.26% voter turnout at noon

The constituency-wise voter turnout in Bihar, according to the Google app , at noon are as follows:

• Darbhanga 17.68%
• Ujiarpur 15.97%
• Samastipur 16.64%
• Begusarai 21.56%
• Munger 18.76%

Bihar election polling latest updates

Munger zila parishad head in custody after reports of violence

Police resorted to lathicharge at a polling booth in Lakhisarai, part of the Munger Lok Sabha constituency, after violence in the region. Nunu Babu, head of the Zila Parishad, hs been taken in custody.

Inputs by Happy Singh Chawla, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election polling latest updates

Voters post photos of EVM machine, polling booth in MCC violation

In what seems to be a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct, four voters have posted their videos and pictures from polling booths in Uttar Pradesh’s Auraiya district.

Inputs by Yogesh Bharadwaj, 101Reporters

Punjab election voting latest updates

Sunny Deol, Prem Singh Chandumajra file nomination papers 

BJP’s candidate for the Gurdaspur seat, actor Sunny Deol, filed his nomination papers on Monday. Prem Singh Chandumajra of the Shiromani Akali Dal filed his nomination for the Anandpur Sahib seat at Ropar.

Punjab: Actor turned politician Sunny Deol files his nomination as the BJP candidate from the Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency. His brother and actor Bobby Deol also present. pic.twitter.com/aOnGloRjpy

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Punjab: Prem Singh Chandumajra, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Lok Sabha candidate from Anandpur Sahib, files his nomination at DC office in Ropar. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/GxXRKMIxTk

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Farrukhabad villagers boycott polling

The Kayamganj tehsildar has rushed to Chikma village after getting news of villagers boycotting polling there. Not even a single vote has been cast in protest against lack of development in the region.

Inputs by Shiv Kumar Mishra, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Clash reported at Shahjahanpur

A minor clash was reported at booth number 141 in Shahjahapur during polling on Monday. Police have detained few persons and injured have been rushed to the hospital.

Inputs by Santosh Kumar, 101Reporters

Jharkhand election voting latest updates

22 lakh seized from Congress candidate

Income Tax officials raided the AK International Hotel in the presence of DDC Vijay Jadhav and SDO Megha Bharadwaj at 3 am this morning and seized 22 lakh from the room of Gopal Sahu, who is the Congress candidate from Hazaribagh​.

Input by Anand Dutta, 101Reporters

Rajasthan election polling latest updates

Women boycott election after not being able to meet Gehlot

Several women from the Khatik community of the Mahamandir area in Jodhpur boycotted polling after they were unable to meet chief minister Ashok Gehlot at the polling booth where he had come to cast his vote. They have not been receiving drinking water for the last one month. The women started protesting soon after realising that they would not be able to meet Gehlot. Police had to intervene to bring the situation under control.

Inputs by Rajendra Sharma, 101 Reporters

Jammu and Kashmir election polling latest updates

Several polling booths see zero turnout

So far, at four polling booths in Kulgam not a single vote has been cast till 10:30 am. At six polling booths at Frisal Higher Secondary School in Kulgam, out of 4,358 voters only 52 have cast their votes as of 11 am.

Inputs by Mudassir Kuloo, 101 Reporters

Jammu & Kashmir: Voting underway at polling booth number 19 in Vanpura, in Kulgam's Qazigund. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/bhFkrrPbka

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Jammu and Kashmir election polling latest updates

Several polling booths see zero turnout

So far, at four polling booths in Kulgam not a single vote has been cast till 10:30 am. At six polling booths at Frisal Higher Secondary School in Kulgam, out of 4,358 voters only 52 have cast their votes as of 11 am.

Inputs by Mudassir Kuloo, 101 Reporters

Jammu & Kashmir: Voting underway at polling booth number 19 in Vanpura, in Kulgam's Qazigund. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/bhFkrrPbka

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Jammu and Kashmir election polling latest updates

Complete shutdown across south Kashmir affects turnout figures

As most of the polling booths remain deserted in Kulgam, the complete shutdown across south Kashmir called for by the Joint Resistance Leadership – an amalgam of separatist bodies – could be called a success. “We are not voting because it means nothing for us,” Abrara Ahmad, a resident of Yaripora told Firstpost. “We even don’t know who has stood in elections.”

Yaripora is infested with militancy and the streets were deserted on Monday morning. The authorities have put in place stringent security measures in the entire district to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of elections. The state government has suspended mobile Internet service in central and south Kashmir since last night. All the 433 polling booths in Kulgam district have been designated as hypersensitive.

Jhansi election voting latest updates

Villagers allege misbehaviour by Election Commission’s flying squad 

“They hurled abuses at us, humiliated polling booth agents of parties, and made them crouch down in punishment,” villagers of Chiplotha in Jhansi constituency said about the Election Commission’s flying squad. Booth agents of BJP and BSP were allegedly hit with sticks, said villagers.

Inputs by Ajay Jha, 101 Reporters

#LokSabhaElections2019 | "They hurled abuses at us, humiliated polling booth agents of parties, and made them crouch down in punishment," villagers of Chiplotha in #Jhansi said about the #ElectionCommission's flying squad. Follow LIVE: https://t.co/Kcj8wM4gQu pic.twitter.com/jzqvlimNqU

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Jaisalmer villagers boycott polling over lack of drinking water

Polling was boycotted at booth number 262 in Jaisalmer on Monday. It has been one month that drinking water supply has been stopped at Kotadi village in Fatehgarh tehsil. Voters are now sitting at the gates of the polling booth and boycotting elections.

Inputs by Rajendra Sharma, 101 Reporters

#IndiaElections2019 | Villagers have boycotted polling at booth number 262 of Kotadi village in #Jailsalmer's Fatehgarh tehsil. It has been a month since drinking water reached the village. Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/Kcj8wM4gQu pic.twitter.com/ciO3A1fBdb

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Congress helpline gets 127 EVM glitch complaints

As many as 127 complaints of EVM malfunctioning have been registered at a helpline started by Congress, claims the party. Complaints of booth capturing have also come been reported at Jhaltapatan, booth number 67 in Jodhpur, and booth number 224 of Barmer. Congress leaders have filed complaints to the respective collectors.

Inputs by Rajendra Sharma, 101Reporters

Jharkhand election voting latest updates

Voting takes place for the first time at Jagodih booth 

Polling is being conducted for the first time at booth number 249 of the Maoist-dominated Jagodih area of Palamu constituency.

Jharkhand: Polling is being conducted for the first time at booth number 249 in Jagodih area of Palamu constituency. It is a naxal-affected area. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/cCP2eU3trq

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Farrukhabad tops turnout percentages at 10 am

At 10 am, the voter turnout percentages in Uttar Pradesh’s constituencies, according to the  Google app , as follows:​

• Shahjahanpur 11.14%
• Kheri 11.68%
• Hardoi 9.51%
• Misrikh 8.16%
• Unnao 10.41%
• Farrukhabad 11.42%
• Etawah 7.89%
• Kannauj 8.46%
• Kanpur 9.11%
• Akbarpur 8.91%
• Jalaun 10.07%
• Jhansi 10.77%
• Hamirpur 10.38%

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Chhitorgarh tops turnout percentages at 10 am

At 10 am, the voter turnout in Rajasthan, according to the  Google app , were as follows:​

• Tonk-Sawai Madhopur 9.76%

• Ajmer 13.08%

• Pali 10.90%

• Jodhpur 12.73%

• Barmer 13.49%

• Jalore 11.75%

• Udaipur 11.68%

• Banswara  12.78%

• Chhitorgarh 13.53%

• Rajsamand  12.25%

• Bhilwara 12.19%

• Kota 13.08%

• Jhalawar-Baran 11.85%

Madhya Pradesh election voting latest updates

Shahdol tops turnout percentages at 10 am

At 10 am, the voter turnout, according to the  Google app , in Madhya Pradesh were as follows:​

• Sidhi 11.24% ​
• Shahdol 11.90%
• Jabalpur 10.96% ​
• Mandla 10.87% ​
• Balaghat 12.14% ​
• Chhindwara 11.12%

Jharkhand election voting latest updates

Palamu tops turnout percentages at 10 am

At 10 am, the voter turnout, according to the  Google app , in Jharkhand were as follows:

• Chatra 12.10%
• Lohardaga 11.30%
• Palamu 12.38%

Jammu and Kashmir election voting latest updates

Voter turnout in Anantnag sees minor improvement

At 10 am, the voter turnout, according to the  Google app , at Anantnag, saw a paltry improvement to 0.68 percent.

Bihar election voting latest updates

Voter turnout at Begusarai trumps other constituencies in Bihar 

At 10 am, the voter turnout, according to the Google app , were as follows:

• Darbhanga 9.72%
• Ujiarpur 10.02%
• Samastipur 10.83%
• Begusarai 13.50%
• Munger 9.42%

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Jat leader votes on day 525 of strike

Ramanarayana Jat, 71, president of the Kisan Vimas Samiti, spoke about farmers’ issues, especially those of opium farmers in Chittorgarh, as he voted in the Bori vilage of the Pratapgarh district. He is also a part of a 525 day strike in front of the Chittorgarh collectorate after the government cancelled licences of several opium farmers.

Inputs by Madhav Sharma, 101 Reporters

Munger election voting latest updates

BJP leader’s aides capture booth

Aides of former BJP leader and present JD(U) spokesperson Lalan Singh have allegedly captured booth number 313 in Lakhisarai, which is a part of Munger Lok Sabha constituency. No one is being allowed to enter the booth, say reports.

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

Kannauj election polling latest updates

Voters boycott election in Belamau booth

Only two votes have been cast at Belamau’s booth number 366. Villagers here have boycotted the elections owing to zero development of the area.

Inputs by Prabham Srivastava, 101Reporters

Rajasthan election polling latest updates

Congress helpline receives 88 complaints

As many as 88 complaints of faulty EVMs have been registered at the helpline instated by Congress. Complaints of booth capturing have also come out at Jhaltapatan, booth number 67 in Jodhpur, and booth number 224 of Barmer. Congress leaders have filed complaints to the Collectors.

Inputs by Rajendra Sharma /101 Reporters

Akbarpur election polling latest updates

Kanpur Dehat Sector Magistrate found drunk

The Akbarpur constituency of Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur Dehat witnessed some mild excitement after Sector Magistrate Rajesh Kumar was found in an inebriated condition at the Jhinjhak police station. He was taken for the medical examination by senior officials.

Inputs by Abhay Awasthi, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh ​election voting latest updates

WATCH: Women of UP village cast votes for first time

Women of the Ganeshpur village in Lakhimpur Kheri exercised their franchise for the first time in their life. These women were administered an oath to vote in the elections by the district administration under the voter awareness programme.

Inputs by Gopal Giri, 101Reporters

#LokSabhaElections2019 | Women of Ganeshpur village in #Lakhimpur Kheri exercised their franchise for the very first time in their life. Follow LIVE updates of polling in #UttarPradesh here: https://t.co/2ZxBZllkyt pic.twitter.com/VU1ZfUFc2z

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Munger ​election voting latest updates

Zero votes cast in Lakhisarai booth

At booth number 316 in Lakhisarai of Munger Lok Sabha constituency, zero votes have been cast. An EVM malfunction was also reported at booth number 14 in Zila Parishad Bhavan of Munger LS constituency.

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

Jharkhand ​election voting latest updates

Palamu, centre of frenzied BJP campaigns, notes high turnout at 9 am

The voter turnout figures from Jharkhand at 9 am are as follows:

• Chatra 12.10%
• Lohardaga 11.30%
• Palamu 12.38%

Jammu and Kashmir ​election voting latest updates

Anantnag notes paltry turnout at 9 am 

Anantnag at 9 am noted a paltry turnout of 0.61 percent. Only Kulgam district in the state has gone to polls today.

Bihar ​election voting latest updates

Darbhanga records highest turnout in state at 9 am

Voter turnout percentages at 9 am were as follows:

• Darbhanga 11.09%
• Ujiarpur 10.02%
• Samastipur 10.83%
• Begusarai 2.61%
• Munger 9.10%

Ujiarpur ​election voting latest updates

EVM malfunction holds up polling in Lakhimpur Dariyarpur booth

EVM malfunction at booth number 94 in Lakhimpur Dariyapur, a part of Ujiarpur Lok Sabha constituency has left villagers queuing. No votes have been cast yet.

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

Rajasthan ​election voting latest updates

Voting delayed in several booths 

Voting was delayed by 30 minutes as polling agents reached late at booth number 137 in Jalore. Important candidates from the LS constituency include Devaji Patel from the BJP and Ratan Devasi from INC, among others.

Voting was also delayed by about half an hour at booth number 98 and by one hour at booth number 130 of Raniwada due to EVM malfunctions.

Input by Rajendra Sharma, 101 Reporters

Rajasthan ​election voting latest updates

Jalore candidate casts vote 

Devji Patel, BJP candidate from Jalore in Rajasthan, cast his vote at Jajusan booth on Monday.

Inputs by Madhav Sharma, 101 Reporters

Rajasthan ​election voting latest updates

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot casts vote with family 

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot casts his vote with his family in Rajasthan. Vaibhav Gehlot, his son, is contesting from Jodhpur LS constituency.

Inputs by Madhav Sharma, 101 Reporters

Dhaurahra ​election voting latest updates

Jitin Prasada casts vote, predicts victory for Congress 

Congress leader Jitin Prasada, who had been in the news over defection rumours, predicted a sweep for the grand old party after casting his vote from Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh. 

Inputs by Manvendra Malhotra, 101Reporters

#LokSabhaElections2019 | #Congress leader Jitin Prasada, who had been in the news over defection rumours, predicted a sweep for the grand old party after casting his vote from #Dhaurahra in #UttarPradesh. Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/TUf2XVgXvc pic.twitter.com/FXC6fzKfQA

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Begusarai election voting latest updates

Kanhaiya Kumar casts vote

CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar has cast his vote. Kanhaiya had started his campaign saying he is a local and his campaign team has coined the phrase ‘Neta nahi beta’ to establish the sentiment among local people that he is like their son.

Giriraj Singh belongs to Lakhisarai which is adjacent to Begusarai. When he was made the candidate of Begusarai, opposition parties tagged him as an outsider. Giriraj has refuted the allegation saying his Nani is from Begusarai.

Inputs by Umesh Kumar Ray, 101Reporters

#Bihar: CPI candidate from Begusarai, Kanhaiya Kumar after casting his vote at a polling centre in Begusarai. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/zL57N8dUDB

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Anantnag election voting latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Qazigund voters turn up to booths

 Visuals from polling station number 111 at Bumthan in Qazigund of Kulgam district show a paltry turnout in the region.

Jammu & Kashmir: Visuals from polling station number 111- Bumthan in Qazigund, Kulgam. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/H4e8XdwMvv

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Kannauj election voting latest updates

Voting yet to begin in two booths

 Voting is yet to begin at booth numbers 189 and 196 of Chhibramau area in Kannauj, after glitches in EVM were detected.

Jhansi election voting latest updates

BJP candidate Anurag Sharma casts vote

BJP MP candidate from Jhansi, Anurag Sharma has cast his vote at a polling booth in Jhansi.

Uttar Pradesh: BJP MP candidate from Jhansi, Anurag Sharma casts his vote at a polling booth in Jhansi. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/rdJRmm2Ojs

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2019

Begusarai election polling latest updates

Kanhaiya Kumar arrives to cast vote with message on lips

CPI candidate from Begusarai, Kanhaiya Kumar arrives to cast his vote at a polling centre in the city with the message on his lips that those dissing Begusarai would need to answer to the people of the region. He is contesting against BJP leader Giriraj Singh.

#Bihar: CPI candidate from Begusarai, Kanhaiya Kumar arrives to cast his vote at a polling centre in the city, says, "Begusarai ko badnam karne wali takton ko Begusarai mein muh ki khani padegi." He is contesting against BJP leader Giriraj Singh in Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/N6wWqT0J3j

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Madhya Pradesh election voting latest updates

Kamal Nath casts vote from Chhindwara

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath cast his vote at Shikarpur in Chhindwara. His son Nakul is in the fray from the constituency.

#LokSabhaElections2019 :Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath casts his vote at polling booth number 17 in Shikarpur, Chhindwara. pic.twitter.com/4liBH70BYb

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Akbarpur  election voting latest updates

Reports of faulty EVMs coming in from four booths

Reports of EVM failures are not new this polling season. This time, they have started to pour in from booth numbers 110, 111, 99 and 101 of Kanpur Dehat district in the Akbarpur Lok Sabha constituency where the machines developed snags after voting started.

Inputs by Abhay Awasthi, 101Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Complaints of EVM failure reported from across state

EVM machines at Maulana Azad School in Jodhpur and at the Chaupasani Housing Board in the same city were reported to be faulty early on Monday, resulting in protests by voters.

Voting was stopped for almost half an hour at booth number 19 in Dungarpur, a part of the Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency. The EVM machine had reportedly stopped working after the mock polls. Voting was started again after the machine was fixed.

Inputs by Rajendra Sharma, 101 Reporters

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Former CM Vasundhara Raje casts vote

Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje cast her vote at booth number 33, at Jhalawar-Baran in the state. The key candidates from this constituency are Dushyant Singh from the BJP, Pramod Sharma from INC and Badree Lal from BSP among other independent candidates.

Input by Rajendra Sharma,101 Reporters

Bihar election voting latest updates

Darbhanga booths deck up for D-day

Darbhanga in Bihar has 165347 voters who will exercise their franchise in 1664 voting booths. Out of them, 876 booths are disabled-friendly

Eight candidates in the fray from this constituency. A direct fight will take place between Abdul Bari Siddiqui of RJD and Gopal Ji Thakur of BJP in Darbhanga

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

#LokSabhaElections2019 | Out of the 1,664 voting booths in Bihar's #Darbhanga, as many as 876 are disabled-friendly. Many of them have been decorated to encourage voters to turn up in large numbers. Follow LIVE updates of #Bihar polling here: https://t.co/qDUFd9Xp1A pic.twitter.com/ol8tVv3Fe6

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Bihar election voting latest updates

Dalit voters to decide fate of candidates in Samastipur

Reserved Lok Sabha constituency Samastipur will see a two corner fight. Lok Janshakti Party has given its ticket to Ramchandra Paswan, incumbent MP and brother of Ram Vilas Paswan whereas Congress has fielded Dr Ashok Kumar who had put up a good fight in the 2014 general election. 

Dr Ashok Kumar had got 2,63,529 votes in 2014 despite the Modi wave. Ram Chandra had won the seat by only 10,000 votes. JDU had won the seat in the 2009 election but lost it in 2014 after snapping ties with NDA.

Inputs by Umesh Kumar Ray, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Cabinet minister in centre of sexual harassment case casts vote

Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Khanna cast his vote but refused to comment on allegations of sexual harassment against him.“The BJP is going to form the government again,” he said.

Inputs by Santosh Kumar, 101Reporters

#IndiaElections2019 | UP minister Suresh Khanna cast his vote but refused to comment on allegations of sexual harassment against him."The #BJP is going to form the government again," he said. Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/qDUFd9Xp1A pic.twitter.com/6MsdshzWhZ

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Jhansi volunteers help differently abled voter

Ensuring that the poll process remains inclusive were volunteers in Jhansi who did their best to help wheelchair-bound voters exercise their franchise.

A differently-abled voter being helped by polling personnel at polling booth number 274-278 in Jhansi. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/XBLxQIBAFX

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

WATCH: Model polling booth yet to start voting

Booth number 418 in Etawah may have been designated a model polling booth, but 45 minutes after polling has begun elsewhere, an angry voter says voting is yet to begin there.

Inputs by Saurabh Dubey, 101Reporters

WATCH: Booth number 418 in #Etawah may be a "model polling booth", but 45 minutes after polling has begun elsewhere, an angry voter says voting is yet to begin. Follow LIVE updates of the #IndiaElections2019 in #UttarPradesh here: https://t.co/r8sz51b2gv pic.twitter.com/RTmPSFdpaZ

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

EVM snags reported from three booths no sooner than polling begins

Polling has started in all booths of Uttar Pradesh. EVM snags have already been reported in booth numbers 160 and 161 in Chhibramau of Kannauj and 111 of Hamirpur.

Inputs by Prabham Srivastava; video by Ajay Jha. 101Reporters

Voting has started at all the booths in #UttarPradesh. As of now, there are no reports of #EVM snags except for booth number 161 and 160 in Chhibramau of Kannauj. #LokSabhaElections2019

Check LIVE updates here: https://t.co/93cLrBYEnl pic.twitter.com/YxwKQqZTgc

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Jammu and Kashmir election voting latest updates

Train services suspended for polling in Kulgam

In view of polling, train services between Banihal and Baramulla have been suspended today as a precautionary measure. Polling is taking place in the state’s Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, in the district of Kulgam today. There are about 18 candidates in fray and the main fight is between PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Congress state president Ghulam Ahmed Mir and NC candidate Hasnain Masoodi. 

Inputs by Saleem Qadri, 101 Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

WATCH: Salman Kurshid speaks to reporters on way to polling booth

On his way to vote at a polling booth in Pitora village of Farrukhabad, Congress candidate Salman Kurshid spoke to reporters briefly.

WATCH: Senior #Congress leader Salman Khurshid speaks to reporters while on his way to cast his vote at Pitora village of #Farrukhabad in #UttarPradesh. Follow LIVE updates of the #LokSabhaElections2019 in UP here: https://t.co/Z0hYEbWWnz pic.twitter.com/PswBAYa45W

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

Kannauj election voting latest updates

Samajwadi Party leaders put under house arrest 

Samajwadi Party on Sunday night wrote to the Uttar Pradesh Election Commission after the local police allegedly put a few senior leaders in Kannauj under house arrest. 

Former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav’s wife, Dimple Yadav, is contesting on a party ticket from Kannauj. The BJP has fielded Subrat Pathak against Dimple. The Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency has always been prestigious for the Yadav clan. While the SP is banking on its goodwill and the work done by the party in the last two decades, BJP candidate Subrat Pathak is asking voters to vote for the “ghar ka ladka” instead of “baharwale”.

Inputs by Prabham Srivastava, 101Reporters

Munger election voting latest updates

‘Chhote Sarkar’ big challenge for Nitish confidant

Mokama MLA Anant Singh, who is popularly known as Chhote Sarkar, will be the main challenger for JDU leader and Nitish Kumar confidant, Lalan Singh. Lalan is fighting on a JDU ticket from Munger while Neelam Devi, wife of Anant Singh, is fighting on a Congress ticket.

In the 2014 general election, LJP leader Veena Devi, wife of local heavyweight Surajbhaan Singh had won the seat. Lalan Singh had stood second. Munger has substantial presence of Bhumihars and both the leaders are banking on their votes.

Inputs by Umesh Kumar Ray, 101Reporters

Begusarai election voting latest updates

Giriraj Singh casts vote from Lakhisarai

Union minister and sitting MP from Nawada, Giriraj Singh, has cast his vote at polling booth number 33 in Barahiya of Lakhisarai district.

Bihar: Union Minister and sitting MP from Nawada, Giriraj Singh, cast his vote at polling booth number 33 in Barahiya of Lakhisarai district. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/babrOKVG36

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Begusarai election voting latest updates

Three-cornered fight in ‘Leningrad of the East’

The most high profile Parliamentary constituency in Bihar right now is undoubtedly Begusarai, which is often referred to as the ‘Leningrad of the East’. It will see a three corner contest with former JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar debuting in electoral politics with CPI ticket against RJD’s Tanvir Hasan who has been MLC for more than two decades. and BJP heavyweight and Nawada MP Giriraj Singh who often hits the headline with controversial statements.

Tanvir was RJD candidate in the 2014 election and stood second. BJP had won the seat.  Giriraj had been earlier reluctant to contest from Begusarai. His Nawada seat had been given to the BJP’s NDA partner Lok Janshakti Party. He had even said that that he would not contest from any other seat. 

Begusarai has a substantial population of upper caste Bhumihars and Muslims. Of them, Giriraj is banking on upper caste votes while RJD is targeting Yadav, Muslim and lower caste votes. In between these two candidates, Kanhaiya Kumar’s focus is all stakeholders of society.

Inputs by Umesh Kumar Ray, 101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

From Jatland, polling moves to the Ganga: Will alliance votes transfer?

With the fourth phase, the Parliamentary election has now moved towards the Ganga region from the land of Jats and Yadavs. The fourth phase is crucial for the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance because it will be a test of transfer of votes. According to the ground reports, the gathbandhan is not likely to get Yadav votes where Mayawati, the BSP boss, has fielded her candidates, presumably due to caste ego issues.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav told this reporter that both the parties will be easily transferring their votes. Political pundits in Uttar Pradesh have it that Mayawati’s appearance with Mulayam Singh Yadav in the Mainpuri rally was a strategy for this purpose alone. 

Inputs by Saurabh Sharma, 101Reporters

Begusarai election voting latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Giriraj offers prayers early in the morning

Union minister and sitting MP from Nawada, Giriraj Singh offered prayers at Barahiya’s Shaktidham ahead of his crucial battle for Begusarai against CPI firebrand Kanhaiya Kumar.

Bihar: Union Minister and sitting MP from Nawada, Giriraj Singh offered prayers at Barahiya's Shaktidham. pic.twitter.com/yS81rW6wVg

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Kannauj election voting latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Early voters stand in queues

Voters have begun to queue up outside polling booth number 256 in Kannauj Parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh already.

#LokSabhaElections2019 : Voters begin to queue up outside polling booth number 256 in Kannauj. 13 parliamentary constituencies in the state go to polls in the fourth phase of general elections. pic.twitter.com/GWOaBzBAca

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2019

Bihar election polling latest updates

The rise of ‘red star’ Begusarai and why it might ditch Kanhaiya Kumar for Giriraj Singh

Begusarai, which captured the media’s imagination because of the intense contest between communist candidate and former JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar and BJP’s loudmouth Giriraj Singh, was called the land of the rising “red star” in north India after independence. The “red star” then was none else but a redoubtable Marxist Chandrashekhar Singh, whose father was a Congress minister.

Bihar election polling latest updates

The rise of ‘red star’ Begusarai and why it might ditch Kanhaiya Kumar for Giriraj Singh

Begusarai, which captured the media’s imagination because of the intense contest between communist candidate and former JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar and BJP’s loudmouth Giriraj Singh, was called the land of the rising “red star” in north India after independence. The “red star” then was none else but a redoubtable Marxist Chandrashekhar Singh, whose father was a Congress minister.

IN PHOTOS: Mock polling, fervent preparations mark minutes leading up to polling

In the minutes before polling is set to begin at 7 am in the northern states, fervent preparations were seen in every booth. From Munger, to Lohardaga, to Mumbai, poll officials busied themselves in ensuring EVM machines ran well

Jharkhand: Mock poll underway at polling booth number 247 in Loinga village of Palamu. Voting for the fourth phase of #LokSabhaElections2019 will begin at 7 AM today. pic.twitter.com/aJRMg3WIF0

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Bihar: Latest visuals from booth number 243 in Laheriasarai of Darbhanga, ahead of fourth phase of #LokSabhaElections2019 . Voting will begin at 7 AM today. pic.twitter.com/Sty9gqCBNw

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Preparation underway at polling booth number 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279 and 280 at Saraswati Pathshala Industrial Inter College in Jhansi. Voting for the fourth phase of #LokSabhaElections2019 will begin at 7 AM today. pic.twitter.com/IL49Bv6erV

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2019

Bihar: Mock poll underway at polling booth number 33, 34 & 35 at Rajkiya Primary School in Munger parliamentary constituency. Voting for the fourth phase of #LokSabhaElections2019 will begin at 7 AM today. pic.twitter.com/4By5dX4vyL

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Preparation underway at polling booths before voting starts at 7 am

Preparation are underway at polling booth number 107 at Vardhman Jain upper primary School in Mahamandir of the Jodhpur parliamentary constituency. Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election will begin at 7 am today.

Rajasthan: Preparation underway at polling booth number 107 at Vardhman Jain upper primary School, Mahamandir in Jodhpur parliamentary constituency. Voting for the fourth phase of #LokSabhaElections2019 will begin at 7 AM today. pic.twitter.com/xhBLA864ZV

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Madhya Pradesh election voting latest updates

All eyes on Kamal Nath’s son Nakul as BJP, Congress go into direct fight

In all the six seats in Madhya Pradesh, a direct fight between the Congress and the BJP is expected. Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul is the Congress candidate from Chhindwara. The by-election to the Chhindwara Assembly constituency, where Kamal Nath is in the fray, will also be held on Monday.

Jammu and Kashmir election voting latest updates

Anantnag’s Kulgam district to go to polls after peaceful electioneering

Electioneering in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, which is part of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, remained by and large peaceful. The Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency is spread over four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama and has 16 Assembly segments. The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons.

Jharkhand election voting latest updates

State to go to polls for first time today

Monday’s voting in three constituencies will be the first phase in the BJP-ruled Jharkhand. Addressing poll rallies in Jharkhand this week, a host of top BJP leaders, including Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, appealed to the people to re-elect the NDA to take forward the development work and protect the country.

No national level leaders of Opposition parties campaigned in the three seats — Lohardaga (ST), Chatra and Palamu (SC) — in the run-up to the election.

Bihar election voting latest updates

Kanhaiya-Giriraj battle heats up as Congress-RJD looks to put up fight

In Bihar, the BJP and its allies are looking to retain all five seats in the face of a spirited fight put up by the Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress alliance. The cynosure of all eyes in this phase, however, is the Begusarai seat, which will witness a contest between the political Left and Right, with CPI debutant Kanhaiya Kumar taking on firebrand BJP leader Giriraj Singh.

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

All eyes on Samajwadi Party as it tries to retain Kannauj prestige

In Uttar Pradesh, most of the 13 seats are seeing a direct fight between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, with Kannauj being a matter of prestige for the SP. In 2014, the BJP won 12 of these 13 seats in the state. Only Kannauj, which SP won, defied the “Modi wave” that year among them. Former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple is seeking re-election from Kannauj.

The Congress has a good presence in at least three of the constituencies that vote in Phase 4 — Unnao (Annu Tandon), Farrukhabad (Salman Khurshid) and Kanpur (Sriprakash Jaiswal).

Rajasthan election voting latest updates

Can Congress repeat its Assembly election feat?

Another state where BJP had swept the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 is Rajasthan. Congress appears to have made a comeback in the state after winning the Assembly election with a narrow majority in December 2018. It is now a test of the party’s endurance as it tries to figure out whether anti-Vasundhara Raje sentiments can translate into a Lok Sabha victory in the state too.

Maharashtra election voting latest updates

Last phase for state, Congress faces tough task to reclaim lost glory

In Maharashtra, where the election will end with this phase, the Congress is facing a tough task of reclaiming its lost base in the state’s northern region and Mumbai, while the NCP is trying to get a foothold in Thane district and Western Maharashtra. The BJP and its ally Shiv Sena had won all 17 seats in 2014.

During campaigning, which remained centred around nationalism and agricultural distress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to woo rural as well as urban voters by highlighting the infrastructural and development work carried out under his rule. For his part, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tried to project the party’s proposed minimum income guarantee scheme NYAY as a gamechanger for the poor.