The third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in India saw a significant voter turnout of 63.47%, with Assam recording the highest voter participation at 76.91% and Uttar Pradesh witnessing the lowest turnout at 57.34%. The Election Commission of India (ECI) provided data on the voter turnout for various states that voted in this phase. Bihar recorded a turnout of 58.02%, Chhattisgarh 69.17%, Goa 74.59%, Gujarat 57.48%, Karnataka 69.54%, Madhya Pradesh 66.05%, Maharashtra 61.05%, and West Bengal 73.96%.
The ECI highlighted that polling stations continued to operate past the scheduled time in various areas, indicating strong voter enthusiasm. The voting process in this phase covered the northeastern parts of the country, areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, and vulnerable regions in states such as Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Stringent security measures were implemented to ensure voters could cast their ballots without any fear or intimidation.
In addition to noting the enthusiastic participation of voters from 11 states and union territories, the ECI mentioned special arrangements made to address hot weather conditions, such as providing shade, drinking water, and medical kits to voters. The polling process also saw innovative initiatives to encourage voter turnout, like the installation of thrones for voters in a polling booth in Karnataka and offering free ice cream in a campaign to promote voting in Hubballi city. Various food establishments in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra provided discounts or free meals to voters as part of voter awareness efforts.
The voting phase featured prominent political figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and leaders like Dimple Yadav and Supriya Sule participating in the electoral battle. The polling covered states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and others. The upcoming phase (phase 4) is scheduled to take place on May 13, 2024, in 96 constituencies across 10 states and union territories, with the BJP being a significant player in this round of elections.