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The electoral process for the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 commenced with the first phase across 102 parliamentary constituencies in 21 states and Union Territories, marking the beginning of a mega seven-phase exercise. Polling stations opened at 7:00 am and will remain accessible until 6:00 pm, allowing voters to exercise their democratic right.
Simultaneously, assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim kicked off. Arunachal Pradesh is set to vote for two Lok Sabha seats and its 60-member Assembly, while Sikkim will cast votes for 32 assembly seats and one Lok Sabha seat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting for his third consecutive term as Prime Minister, facing off against the INDIA coalition, an amalgamation of opposition parties aiming to displace the ruling BJP. However, the election atmosphere has been marred by controversies, including the arrest of opposition leaders like Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on corruption charges related to the liquor policy case.
A staggering 16.63 crore voters are eligible to vote in the first phase, deciding the fate of 1625 candidates, including prominent figures like Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Bhupendra Yadav, and Arjun Ram Meghwal. The Election Commission of India has set up 1.87 lakh polling stations and deployed 18 lakh personnel across the 102 constituencies.
Demographically, male voters outnumber female voters slightly, with around 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors. Key issues dominating the electoral discourse include unemployment, violence against women, farmers’ grievances, paper leaks, land rights for tribal communities, and inflation.
A pre-poll survey conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies highlighted rising prices and unemployment as primary concerns for voters. Various states have their specific concerns, such as the demands of tea garden workers in Assam for better wages and facilities, and the issue of pending full statehood in Puducherry.
In Manipur, which has witnessed prolonged violence and ethnic tensions, special arrangements have been made by the ECI for internally displaced voters. Moreover, the state will witness two phases of elections for its parliamentary constituencies.
Special attention is being given to regions facing social and political challenges, such as Nagaland, Uttarakhand, and regions affected by Naxalism like Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
The electoral battleground also extends to states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, where key constituencies are witnessing intense competition among candidates from various political parties.
To ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission has deployed central forces at polling stations and implemented measures such as webcasting and micro-observers. Strict vigilance is being maintained to prevent the illicit flow of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies.
With the first phase underway, the subsequent phases will unfold on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, respectively. This electoral journey echoes the seven-phase schedule of the 2019 general elections, emphasizing the scale and significance of India’s democratic exercise.
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