'Substantial turnout till 1 pm,' says EC

The Election Commission reported “substantial” voter turnout till 1 pm in many states and Union territories where voting is underway in phase one of Lok Sabha elections on Friday (April 19).

Polling was progressing "smoothly and peacefully" across 21 states and union territories, the Election Commission (EC) said.

Visuals of voters standing in long queues waiting for their chance to vote were seen across polling stations as voting began simultaneously at 7 AM, the poll watchdog said.

People were undeterred by rains in certain parts such as Jammu and Kashmir's Uddhampur and waited for their turn.

Assembly elections are also being held simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.