Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is set to commence from today, i.e., on April 26, 2024, covering 88 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories (UTs). This phase holds significant importance in the electoral process, with key candidates from various parties vying for victory.
Let’s delve into the details of Phase 2, including key facts, constituencies, and notable candidates.
Weather Conditions and Voter Comfort
The Election Commission has assured voters that the weather conditions for April 26 are expected to be “within normal ranges.” Despite earlier concerns about hot weather conditions, meticulous arrangements have been made at all polling stations to ensure the comfort of electors. However, a hailstorm has been predicted for Jammu and Kashmir on April 26, prompting authorities to remain vigilant in those areas.
Constituencies and Voting Schedule
In Phase 2, voting will take place in 88 constituencies spread across Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Notably, the polling for the 29-Betul parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh has been rescheduled to the third phase due to unfortunate circumstances.
Key Facts About Phase 2 Voting
Date and Time of Voting: The voting will commence at 7 AM and conclude at 6 PM, though closure timings may vary by parliamentary constituency. In certain regions like Bihar, the polling time has been extended to accommodate voters in hot weather conditions.
Number of Voters: Over 16 lakh polling officials will cater to more than 15.88 crore voters across 1.67 lakh polling stations. This includes a diverse demographic, with 8.08 crore male voters, 7.8 crore female voters, and 5,929 individuals identifying as the third gender. Additionally, there are 34.8 lakh first-time voters and 3.28 crore young voters aged between 20-29 years.
Total Candidates: Phase 2 sees a total of 1202 candidates in the fray, comprising 1,098 men, 102 women, and two individuals from the third gender category.
Notable Candidates in Phase 2
Phase 2 witnesses the participation of several prominent leaders across political parties.
Key candidates include:
– Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, contesting from Kerala’s Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram respectively
– BJP’s youth icon Tejasvi Surya from Bengaluru South constituency
– Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, fighting against Tharoor from Thiruvananthapuram
– Four candidates from the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency.
Ensuring Transparency: Know Your Candidate
To facilitate informed voting, the Election Commission has introduced the “Know Your Candidate” (KYC) application. Through this app, citizens can access comprehensive information about candidates contesting in their constituency. This includes details about criminal records, assets, liabilities, and other pertinent information. The Chief Election Commissioner emphasized that voters have the right to access such information to make informed choices.
Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 marks a crucial step in India’s democratic process, with 88 constituencies going to polls across various states and UTs. With diverse candidates and voter demographics, this phase embodies the essence of democratic participation and the exercise of electoral rights. As voters head to the polling stations, the emphasis remains on transparency, voter comfort, and informed decision-making, ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process.
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