PM Modi says your vote is your voice, calls for polling in record numbers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people on Friday to cast their votes in record numbers in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracyAsserting that their vote is their voice PM Modi especially told the young voters and women voters to turn up at the polling booths in great numbersUrging everyone in constituencies voting today in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 to participate in record numbers A high voter turnout strengthens our democracy I especially urge our young voters and women voters to turn out in great numbers Your vote is your voice the prime minister said on XUnion Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to everyone to exercise their right to vote and participate in record numbers for a strong secure and prosperous nationToday is the voting day for the second phase of the Lok Sabha Election I appeal to all of you who are exercising your right to vote today to participate in this celebration of democracy with full enthusiasm and cast votes in record numbers for a strong secure and prosperous nation he said in the post on XShah added Encourage your friends and family to vote to help build a stronger IndiaChoose a government that prioritises the development of the country ensures border security restores heritage and makes powerful decisions in the national interest Every vote of yours will contribute to strengthening the foundation of a developed India Encourage your friends and relatives to vote as well Shah added in the postVoting will begin at 7 am on Friday and conclude at 6 pm The Lok Sabha elections 2024 is being held in seven phases till June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4According to the Election Commission of India 88 constituencies across 13 states and union territories are set to go for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024Kerala has the highest number of constituencies as all 20 seats will poll today followed by Karnataka with 14 seats The other states that will go to poll on Friday include Assam Bihar Uttar Pradesh Chhattisgarh Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Rajasthan West Bengal Tripura and Manipur The poll for the Jammu parliamentary seat will also be held on FridayAs many as 1202 candidates including 1098 males and 102 females are in the frayThere are 808 crore male and 78 crore female voters among the electorates who will decide the fate of candidates As many as 5929 thirdgender electors will also exercise their franchise in the second phase of pollsThe apex poll body further said that 348 lakh firsttime voters are registered to cast their votesAdditionally there are 328 crore young voters in the age group 2029 years it addedThere are over 1478 lakh registered 85 years old 42226 voters above 100 years and 147 lakh PwD voters for phase two who have been provided the option to vote from the comfort of their homesWith inputs from Agencies