With service votes, which account for 0.2 percent, yet to be added, the figure is expected to rise slightly. At a press conference, Kelkar noted that the Election Commission had earlier reported a provisional turnout of 78.27 per cent on polling day, April 9, based on data available through ECINET.

Male voters 75.19 per cent, female voters 81.19 per cent and transgender voters 53.04 per cent

He said the number of service voters will be finalised on counting day, May 4, when the ECI will publish an index card with exact constituency-wise data, which serves as the final record. The total postal ballots, numbering 3,68,193, include votes from senior citizens, persons with disabilities, essential service staff, and election duty personnel, making up 1.36 percent of the electorate and raising turnout to 79.63 percent.

The delay in releasing final figures, even four days after polling, drew criticism from political parties, prompting the CEO to address the media for clarity.

While the CEO had announced a provisional turnout of 78.27 percent on polling day, April 9, through ECINET, the delay in releasing the exact figures raised serious apprehensions among political parties. In the past, there have been allegations that delays in releasing final voting data were used to influence voting patterns.

Postal ballots: A total of 53,984 service voters were issued postal ballots, which can be returned until the counting day. Among specific groups, 1,40,219 senior citizens (aged above 85) out of 1,45,604 eligible voters cast their ballots, recording a turnout of 96.3 per cent. Among persons with disabilities, 60,734 out of 62,159 voted, marking a turnout of 97.71 per cent.

Overall, home voting registered a turnout of 96.72 per cent. In the essential services category, 32,172 out of 34,140 voters cast their ballots, recording 94.2 per cent turnout.

The CEO added that the fourth category is voters on election duty. As many as 1,35,068 polling officials cast their votes. Those on duty in their respective constituencies could vote through EVMs at their booths, with the count recorded in Form 17C.