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First Phase Voting: Campaigning is in full swing for the upcoming general elections following the announcement by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 16, revealing the schedule for the world’s largest democratic exercise, encompassing 96.8 crore eligible voters. Subsequently, the gazette notification for the first phase of polling was released on Wednesday, marking the commencement of voting on April 19 in 102 parliamentary constituencies spread across 17 states and four Union territories (UTs).
The Lok Sabha Election 2024 schedule is as follows:
- Phase 1: April 19
- Phase 2: April 26
- Phase 3: May 7
- Phase 4: May 13
- Phase 5: May 20
- Phase 6: May 25
- Phase 7: June 1
The counting of votes for all 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted on June 4, as per the schedule released by the poll body.
BJP Eyes Third Consecutive Term
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is seeking a third consecutive term. With victories in both the 2014 and 2019 polls, where it secured 282 and 303 seats respectively, the BJP is aiming to maintain its stronghold. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is eyeing a hattrick of wins for the country’s top job.
NDA’s principal challenger is the Congress-led opposition I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc, comprising over two dozen constituents. The stage is set for a fierce electoral battle as parties gear up to woo voters with promises and agendas.
Read also: PM Modi says ‘Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar’ after Election poll dates announced
Nomination Process Underway
In addition to the notification being issued, the nomination process has also commenced for the first phase. As per the schedule, the deadline for filing nomination papers for the first phase is March 27. Following this, nominations will be scrutinized on March 28, and the last date to withdraw nominations is March 30.
Read also: Bihar Seat Sharing, Patna: NDA block finalized seat sharing in Bihar with BJP 17 and JD(U) 16
With the election season officially underway, political parties are expected to intensify their campaigning efforts in the coming weeks, traversing the length and breadth of the country to garner support and sway the electorate in their favor. As the nation braces for yet another historic electoral showdown, all eyes are on the unfolding developments in what promises to be a riveting contest for power.
