Around 61 per cent voter turnout was recorded on Friday in the second phase of voting in Lok Sabha elections in 88 constituencies spread across 13 States and Union Territories including Outer Manipur seat.

The voting was by and large peaceful.

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The voting, which began amidst tight security at 7 am across 1.67 lakh polling stations, concluded at 6 pm.

Prominent BJP candidates whose fate was sealed in the EVMs today included Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Thiruvananthapuram), Hema Malini (Mathura) and Tejasvi Surya (Bengaluru South).

Heavyweights from the Congress in the second phase included Rahul Gandhi (Wayanad), KC Venugopal (Alappuzha), Sashi Tharoor (Thiruvananthapuram) and Pradyut Bordoloi (Nagaon).

“Polling in the second phase of General Elections 2024 which commenced at 7 am today simultaneously across 88 parliamentary constituencies recorded an approximate voter turnout of 60.96 percent as of 7 pm,” the Election Commission of India (ECI) said.

The poll panel said voters from across 13 States and UTs participated enthusiastically to cast their vote at their polling station braving the hot weather conditions.

From newlyweds to senior citizens, PwDs, women and youngsters, all were seen in queues waiting to cast their vote, it said.

The ECI said in Sikar, Rajasthan, women voters came in their traditional attire braving the heat. In Varuna constituency in Karnataka, polling staff dressed in traditional attire welcomed the voters.

Cricketing superstars Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid and Javagal Srinath among others were seen voting at different polling stations in Bangalore.

Striking a pose with their inked fingers, they carried the message of importance of participation in the electoral process to the youth.

The first phase of voting took place on April 19 with an estimated 62.37 per cent turnout in 102 constituencies spread over 21 states and Union territories.

The third phase of voting is scheduled to take place on May 7, fourth phase on May 13, fifth phase on May 20, sixth phase on May 25 and seventh phase on June 1. The results will be declared on June 4.