LS Election 2024: Rajnath Singh blames heatwave for low voter turnout in polls

Heatwave is one of the primary reasons for a low voter turnout in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Defense Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh said on Monday.

"Heatwave is one reason behind the low voter turnout. However, the reason behind people not being excited enough to vote this time is that they are sure that the Modi government is going to return to power with a larger majority. Another factor is that the supporters of the opposition parties are disappointed over their performance, and thus they are not coming out to vote," Rajnath Singh said.

When asked about claims that voters are unhappy over the BJP's candidate selection, the Union Minister said, "No, this is not true. People do not vote only for the candidate. They vote keeping in mind that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elevated the stature of the country in the world".

"There can be some disagreement over the candidates. But keeping that issue aside, we have to focus on making Narendra



Modi the Prime Minister of the country again," Singh added.

Rajnath Singh filed his nomination papers for the Lucknow seat earlier in the day, seeking a third consecutive term in the prestigious Lok Sabha constituency.

The Union Defence Minister, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, arrived at the collectorate to submit the nomination papers.

Before filing his nomination, Singh offered prayers at the Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple and at the Hanuman Setu Temple in the city.

Singh emerged victorious in the 2019 election by defeating Samajwadi Party's Poonam Sinha. Likewise, in 2014 polls, he secured victory against Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi.

Notably, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajyapee had in the past represented the Lucknow seat. Polling in Lucknow will be held in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20.