India’s Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting commences for fourth phase across 96 constituencies
Today, India embarks on the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, a critical juncture in the nation’s democratic process. This phase includes 96 constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory (UT), marking a significant scale of electoral activity.
Extensive Electoral Coverage:
The polls opened at 7 AM and will close at 6 PM, encompassing a broad spectrum of the Indian electorate. The states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are seeing all their constituencies—25 and 17, respectively—going to the polls today. Other states involved in this phase include Uttar Pradesh (13 constituencies), Maharashtra (11), Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (8 each), Bihar (5), Odisha and Jharkhand (4 each), and one constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Figures and Voter Turnout:
A notable 177 million voters are expected to participate in this phase, with polling facilitated at over 200,000 stations. This phase also features more than 1,700 candidates vying for their chance at legislative representation. Additionally, provisions have been made for 1.2 million elderly voters, offering them the option to vote from home, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
India progresses through the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, covering 96 constituencies.
Prominent Candidates in the Fray:
This phase of the election is critical, not just for the number of voters and constituencies involved, but also for the high-profile candidates it includes. Notable figures such as Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Behrampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad), and YS Sharmila (Kadappa) are among those contesting.
The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is a pivotal moment for India, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic nature of its democracy. The extensive reach of this phase, both in terms of geographic coverage and the electorate’s demographic diversity, underscores the complex logistical undertakings necessary to conduct free and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy.