Mamata raises concern over rise in voter turnout
What's the story
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Election Commission of India for the delay in releasing the final voter turnout figures for the initial two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. Addressing two back-to-back rallies in Malda and Murshidabad districts, the CM also raised concern over the "sudden rise" in the polling percentages in the two phases. She said that there was a nearly 5.75% increase in voter participation—particularly in areas where the Bharatiya Janata Party is less popular.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Over 10 days after Phase 1 and four days after Phase 2 polling for the Lok Sabha elections, the ECI released the final voter turnout percentages for the initial rounds on Tuesday. This came amid questions by the Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Trinamool Congress over the delay in release of the data. They had raised concerns over "manipulation of results" due to lack of transparency.
Information
Voter turnout data 2024
The voter turnout for Phase 1 was recorded at 66.14%; it was slightly higher for Phase 2—at 66.7%. The polling for first phase took place on April 19 across 102 constituencies and for second phase on April 26 in 88 seats. In 2019, the first phase final turnout was shared two days after the voting. The first phase's voter turnout in 2019 was 69.43% and 69.44% for the second phase.
Statement
Commission must address doubts: Banerjee
Addressing a rally at Farakka in Murshidabad district, Banerjee said, "The EC gave a figure of polling percentage immediately after the elections...but yesterday, I came to know about...sudden jump in final voter turnout by nearly 5.75% which is worrying." "The percentage has increased in places where voting was not in favour of the BJP. There are lots of doubts and the commission must address it," she added.
EVM doubts
Banerjee questions EVM trustworthiness amid voter surge
The Bengal CM also talked about "manipulation of results." "There are apprehensions of manipulation of results by the BJP as several EVMs [Electronic Voting Machines] were missing for a long period," she said. "The EC should disclose information about EVM manufacturers as the BJP could resort to any means to secure an election victory," she further stated.
Political allegations
Banerjee accuses Congress and CPI(M) of aiding BJP
Banerjee has also accused the Congress and CPI(M) of acting as proxies for the BJP, urging voters to refrain from supporting these parties. She warned that voting for the BJP could result in a loss of democratic rights. "The CPI(M) and Congress are vying for seats in minority-dominated areas with the intention of aiding the BJP by splitting TMC's votes," she explained.