Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar unveiled the schedule for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections today. The polls are set to unfold over 7 phases, commencing on April 19 and culminating on June 1, with the results slated for announcement on June 4. Addressing the media, Kumar clarified that no simultaneous elections will be held. The assembly polls for Andhra Pradesh are scheduled for May 13, while Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh will vote on April 19. Odisha’s assembly elections are spread across May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
During the press briefing, the Election Commission emphasized its commitment to combatting the 4Ms—muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations—that impede the journey to free and fair elections.
With an estimated 97 crore eligible voters, Rajiv Kumar disclosed that those aged over 85 will have the option to vote from home. Furthermore, he assured that basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation facilities will be available at all polling booths.
The tenure of the current Lok Sabha, concluding on June 16, necessitates the formation of a new House before this date. Concurrently, the terms of the four state assemblies are also set to expire in June.
Ahead of the elections, all eyes are on the political landscape. In the previous parliamentary polls, the BJP secured 303 seats, aspiring for a third consecutive term, while the Congress clinched 52 seats. The impending polls carry significant weight for the Opposition bloc, INDIA, striving to counter the BJP’s dominance.
Key Assembly Election Dates:
- Arunachal Pradesh: April 19
- Sikkim: April 19
- Andhra Pradesh: May 13
- Odisha: May 13, May 20, May 25, June 1
