India's 18th general election is fast approaching, campaigners are vigorously rallying for votes to gain momentum. Commencing on April 19, the elections will witness over 969 million eligible citizens casting their votes for the 543 seats in Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament. The polling for Lok Sabha will unfold across seven phases over the course of 44 days: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh will see voting in all seven phases. The crucial task of counting votes will occur on June 4, as announced by the Election Commission. Subsequently, the party or coalition that secures a majority will nominate a candidate for prime ministership and establish the government.
Presently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governs in coalition with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Recent opinion polls strongly indicate continued favour towards the BJP, Prime Minister Modi, and their allied parties. Under Modi’s leadership, India's remarkable economic growth over the past decade, reaching 8% last year despite challenges such as the Covid pandemic and global economic downturn. The primary opposition to the BJP comes from the Indian National Congress, commonly referred to as "the Congress," which holds the only other party with widespread national appeal. Nonetheless, the Congress suffered significant defeats in the preceding two national elections, held in 2014 and 2019.
In contest for the 2024 elections, the Congress has forged an alliance named the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), uniting with numerous regional parties, including the All India Trinamool Congress, currently governing West Bengal. However, signs of strain have emerged within the coalition. The Trinamool Congress has raised objections to the Congress's insistence on fielding its candidates for several seats, particularly in regions like West Bengal, where the Congress lacks substantial voter support. Additionally, Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar and a key figure in the formation of INDIA, has switched allegiance to the BJP-led coalition.
Political controversies before the election
Leading up to the elections, numerous political parties became entangled in controversies. The arrest of Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in relation to an alleged liquor scam case was particularly notable. In response, Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party promptly declared its plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court acknowledged the Enforcement Directorate's presentation of statements by approvers, individuals who had previously been accused but were now cooperating with the government. Additionally, a candidate from the AAP in Goa claimed to have received kickbacks, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Amidst the controversies, another significant issue arose from a massive data release by the State Bank of India (SBI), which oversaw the electoral bond scheme. The SBI was compelled to disclose all information regarding the project following multiple hearings in the Supreme Court over the past month. This disclosure has placed numerous companies under government scrutiny. Adding to the turmoil, former Election Commissioner Arun Goel abruptly resigned from his position. The sudden announcement has sparked a political uproar, with the Congress party alleging that Goel's departure reflects the government's lack of commitment to ensuring "free and fair elections." Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi accused a past Congress-led government of ceding Indian territory, specifically the Katchatheevu Island, to Sri Lanka, intensifying the political debate.
Polling dates of Lok Sabha election 2024
Phase 1 of the election, commencing on April 19th, will witness voting for a total of 102 seats across 21 states and union territories. These include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
In phase 2 of the election which is on April 26, votes will be cast for a total 89 seats across 13 states and one union territory. Including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Phase 3 of the election, on May 7, will see voting for a total of 94 seats across 12 states and one union territory. These states include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and the union territory of Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and along with Jammu and Kashmir.
During phase 4 of the election, scheduled for May 13, votes will be cast for a total of 96 seats across 10 states. These states comprise Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Phase 5 of the election, scheduled for May 20th, will involve voting for a total of 49 seats across 8 states and two union territories. These include Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Moving to phase 6 on May 25, voting will take place for 57 seats across 7 states. These states are Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Lastly, phase 7 of the election, set for June 1, will see voting for a total of 57 seats across 8 states. These states include Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the union territory of Chandigarh.
