Over 64 per cent polling has been recorded in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections

Newdelhi:30/4/19:Over 64 per cent polling has been recorded in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections. Seventy one Parliamentary constituencies, spread across nine states, went to polls in this phase yesterday.

West Bengal recorded the highest 79.5 per cent voter turnout, followed by Madhya Pradesh around 74 per cent. Nearly 70.5 percent votes were polled in Odisha, where Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were held simultaneously. Rajasthan and Jharkhand registered around 65 per cent polling. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, polling percentage was nearly 60 per cent and 56 per cent in Maharashtra.

The polling percentage was 8 per cent in Kulgam district, which falls under the Anantnag Parliamentary constituency in Jammu and Kashmir. Briefing media in New Delhi, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said, except minor incidents, polling remained peaceful in this phase. A large number of women and senior citizens came out to vote. Mr Sinha said, of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, polls have, so far, concluded in 373 constituencies.

The Election Commission said, this time EVM replacement was very minimal as compared to the last three phases. The poll panel has also seized unaccounted cash, illicit liquor, drugs, gold and freebies worth over 3,200 crore rupees since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect.