POLLING FOR 23 STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES AND 379 SEATS COMPLETED SO FAR - LS polls: Over 59% polling in fifth phase

Over 59 percent voter turnout was recorded on Monday in 49 constituencies across six states and two Union territories in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, with Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir achieving its highest-ever voting percentage.

West Bengal recorded the highest polling percentage at 73.14, while Maharashtra saw the lowest at 53.51 percent. In Mumbai, voting percentages varied between 46 percent and around 54 percent, with Thane recording a turnout of 49.81 percent, according to the Election Commission's voter turnout app.

On Sunday, the EC highlighted urban voter apathy in Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow, urging people to come out and vote.

Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, previously a militancy-infested area, recorded its highest-ever voter turnout on Monday at 59 percent, according to J&K Chief Electoral Officer PK Pole. The Sopore Assembly segment of the constituency saw a turnout of 44 percent, a significant increase from past elections where single-digit percentages were recorded.

"The Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a record voter turnout since parliamentary polls were first held here in 1967," Pole told reporters at the end of polling. The previous highest voter turnout in Baramulla was 58.90 per cent in 1984. Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is among the 22 candidates contesting for the seat.

Among other states, Bihar recorded a 53.78 per cent turnout, Jharkhand 63.06 per cent, Odisha 62.23 percent, Uttar Pradesh 57.79 per cent, and Ladakh 68.47 per cent.

These figures are approximate trends as data was still being collated, according to the EC. By around 10 pm, the EC reported an approximate polling percentage of 59.06.

The first four phases of the election registered a total voter turnout of 66.95 per cent. With the completion of the fifth phase, voting has been completed in 25 states and Union Territories and 428 constituencies out of 543. Two more phases remain, scheduled for May 25 and June 1, with vote counting on June 4.