UP BJP chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary urges voters to exercise their franchise 'as much as possible'

He also expressed confidence that "people have faith" in PM Modi.

"Our Constitution gives the right to every citizen to vote. We are seeking people's mandate with a report card of the work done by our government in the last 10 years. People have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I appeal to everyone to exercise their franchise as much as possible," Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary told ANI on Saturday.

As the final phase of polling proceeds, an approximate voter turnout of 49.68 per cent was recorded across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh as of 3 pm, according to the Election Commission (ECI).

As per the ECI data, Jharkhand is leading the voter turnout charts at 60.14 per cent as of 3 pm.

The voter turnout in other states polling today as of 3 pm are Bihar- 42.95 per cent, Odisha--49.77 per cent, Punjab--46.38 per cent, Uttar Pradesh--46.83 per cent, West Bengal--58.46 per cent and Himachal Pradesh 58.41 per cent. The Union Territory of Chandigarh recorded 52.61 per cent as of 3 pm.

The polling for the last phase started at 7 am on Saturday in the 57 parliamentary constituencies spread across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

According to the Election Commission of India, over 10.06 crore electors including approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female and 3574 third gender electors are expected to exercise their franchise.

Six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh have also gone to polls today. The outcome will have a bearing on the Congress government in the state. All six seats going to the polls were held by Congress MLAs from these seats cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Polling for the remaining 42 Assembly Constituencies of the Odisha State Legislative Assembly is also underway. 49.77 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 3 pm here. (ANI)