India’s 2024 general elections, the world’s largest democratic exercise, have reached their critical fifth phase. This phase, marked by intense summer heat and heightened political stakes, sees voters across 49 Lok Sabha constituencies in eight states and union territories casting their ballots. The significance of this phase extends from the northern reaches of Ladakh to the eastern state of Odisha, and from the historical regions of Awadh and Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
With prominent political figures, including Union Ministers and opposition leaders, in the fray, the outcomes of this phase are poised to influence the broader trajectory of Indian politics. As nearly 90 million voters head to the polls, the focus is not only on the candidates but also on the democratic process that underpins the world’s largest democracy.
LS Elections 5th phase: Key Highlights and High-Profile Contests
On Monday, voters in 49 Lok Sabha constituencies across eight states and union territories began casting their ballots in the fifth phase of India’s general elections. This phase includes high-profile and politically significant areas from Ladakh in the north to Odisha in the east, and from Uttar Pradesh’s Awadh and Bundelkhand regions to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
Key figures contesting in this phase include Union Ministers Rajnath Singh (Lucknow), Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North), and Smriti Irani (Amethi), along with prominent opposition leaders such as Congress’ Rahul Gandhi (Raebareli) and National Conference’s Omar Abdullah (Baramulla). In total, 695 candidates are vying for seats in this phase.
The fifth phase encompasses five seats each in Bihar and Odisha, three in Jharkhand, 13 in Maharashtra, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, seven in West Bengal, and one seat each in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Additionally, voting is being conducted for 35 seats in the Odisha Assembly’s second phase of simultaneous polling.
The Election Commission has deployed approximately 9.47 lakh polling officials to manage balloting for 8.95 crore voters. This electorate includes 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5,409 third-gender individuals, across 94,732 polling stations. Ensuring voter comfort and safety, polling stations have been equipped with basic amenities such as shade, drinking water, ramps, and toilets. Measures have also been taken to mitigate the impact of high temperatures forecasted in certain areas.
Despite this phase having the fewest seats, it is highly significant due to the presence of prominent candidates. Other notable figures include Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, son of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, contesting from Kalyan; Karan Bhushan Singh, son of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in UP’s Kaiserganj; RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter Rohini Acharya running against BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Bihar’s Saran; Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas leader Chirag Paswan in Hajipur-SC; and Trinamool Congress candidate and TV anchor Rachna Banerjee facing BJP’s Locket Chatterjee in West Bengal’s Hooghly.
Challenges of low Voter Turnout remains in India’s Largest Democratic Exercise
India’s 2024 general elections, the world’s largest democratic exercise, commenced on April 19 amid intense summer heat, with predictions of more frequent heatwaves this season. In the fifth phase, nearly 90 million voters are eligible to participate, selecting representatives for 49 Lok Sabha seats. The election’s outcome will be announced on June 4, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi anticipated to secure a rare third consecutive term.
Initial phases saw lower voter turnout, which raised concerns for the ruling BJP. However, subsequent phases showed improved participation, averaging 66.95% in the first four rounds, with a 69% turnout in the fourth phase. Monday’s voting began early to avoid the scorching heat, with long queues observed in Mumbai and Odisha’s Bolangir.
The Election Commission has urged urban voters, particularly in cities like Mumbai and Lucknow, to counteract the “stigma” of low turnout. Prime Minister Modi emphasized improved infrastructure and living conditions during his campaign in Mumbai, appealing to urban voters to support his vision for the city.
The election phase also features constituencies linked to the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, a key focus in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Raebareli, in addition to Wayanad in the south, which has already voted. Smriti Irani, who defeated Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, is again contesting this historically significant seat.
In Kaiserganj, UP, the BJP candidate is Karan Bhushan Singh, son of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces sexual harassment charges. This has brought additional attention to the constituency.
Concerns about voter turnout were exacerbated by the hot and humid conditions, with reports of senior citizens collapsing at polling stations. For instance, in Mumbai, where temperatures reached 33 degrees Celsius with 71% humidity, voter Sangeeta Rege highlighted the need for better arrangements for the ill and disabled.
The election period is marked by intense political rhetoric, with Prime Minister Modi focusing on development and security while countering accusations of targeting minority Muslims. In a recent interview, Modi committed to avoiding communal politics, a contentious issue throughout his tenure. Meanwhile, the Congress party has denied allegations of bias in welfare distribution, stressing its inclusive approach.
The BJP’s campaign hinges on Modi’s popularity and promises of continued development. In contrast, the opposition, led by Congress, aims to challenge the BJP’s narrative and present an alternative vision for India’s future.
ALSO READ: Air India Engine Catches Fire Midway, makes An Emergency Landing In Bengaluru
As voters in the fifth phase election head to the polls, the stakes are high, not just for the candidates but for the broader trajectory of Indian politics. The outcomes in these constituencies will contribute significantly to the final results, shaping the composition of the next Lok Sabha and determining the course of India’s governance for the coming years.
