New Delhi: The fourth phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded today, witnessing robust participation across 96 constituencies spanning 10 states and Union Territories. With a staggering total of 1,717 candidates vying for seats, voter turnout surged to 67.25% in this pivotal phase.

Polling stations buzzed with activity as voters cast their ballots in key regions, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency saw significant electoral activity, marking a historic moment as Kashmir held its first major election since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Simultaneously, elections for all 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh and 28 in Odisha unfolded alongside the Lok Sabha polls, adding to the magnitude of the electoral exercise. Over 19 lakh polling officials were strategically deployed across 1.92 lakh polling stations to facilitate voting for the 17.70 crore eligible voters in this phase.

The electoral landscape showcased prominent figures from various political spectrums, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Union minister Giriraj Singh, TMC’s outspoken leader Mohua Moitra, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former cricketer Yusuf Pathan of TMC, and Andhra Pradesh Congress president YS Sharmila, among others.

As the nation progresses through the multi-phase electoral process, spanning from April 19 to June 1, all eyes are set on the culmination of this democratic spectacle, scheduled for June 4, when the fate of candidates and the political trajectory of the nation will be unveiled through the ballot count.