The fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections took place today, marking a significant day in India’s electoral process.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), over 8.95 crore voters were eligible to vote in this phase, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5,409 third-gender electors. This phase will determine the fate of 695 candidates contesting across 49 parliamentary constituencies.
This phase is particularly notable due to the presence of several high-profile candidates. Key figures in the fray include Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, and Ujjwal Nikam. Other prominent contenders are LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya.
Polling was conducted in eight states and union territories:Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Major urban centers like Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow also voted in this phase, addressing the challenge of historically lower voter turnout in these cities.
The distribution of seats in this phase includes 14 from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 each from Bihar and Odisha, 3 from Jharkhand, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
To ensure a smooth and secure voting process, the ECI deployed substantial resources. A total of 2,000 flying squads, 2,105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams were operational across the 94,732 polling stations. These teams worked round the clock to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and address any issues promptly. The fifth phase is seen as a critical juncture in the election, featuring a mix of urban and rural constituencies, each with its own unique challenges and voter concerns. The participation of several heavyweight candidates has intensified the competition, making the results of this phase highly anticipated.
As the voting progressed, polling stations experienced steady streams of voters, reflecting a high level of engagement among the electorate. The ECI’s comprehensive preparations and vigilant monitoring have been key to the orderly conduct of the elections.
The outcomes of this phase are expected to significantly influence the overall direction of the Lok Sabha elections, shaping the political landscape of India for the coming years. As the polls close and votes are tallied, all eyes will be on the results, which will determine the future leadership of the country.
