Lok Sabha elections is underway today, with voters from 49 constituencies across six states and two Union Territories heading to the polls. As of 1 PM, a voter turnout of 36.7% has been recorded.

Polling is being conducted for five parliamentary seats in Bihar, three in Jharkhand, thirteen in Maharashtra, five in Odisha, fourteen in Uttar Pradesh, seven in West Bengal, and one each in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Notably, Maharashtra has reported the lowest voter turnout so far, while Ladakh has registered the highest.

This phase features several high-profile candidates. Key figures include Union Ministers Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North, Smriti Irani from Amethi, and Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. From the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi is defending the Raebareli seat, historically held by his mother, Sonia Gandhi. Additionally, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is contesting from Baramulla, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Rohini Acharya is running from Saran, and Shiv Sena-UBT leader Arvind Sawant is vying for Mumbai South.

The elections in these regions are crucial due to the participation of influential leaders and the strategic importance of the constituencies involved. Voter turnout and results from this phase are eagerly anticipated.