Election Commission Announces 7-Phase Lok Sabha Polls from April 19

Srinagar, New Delhi|March, 16: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar unveiled the schedule for the impending Lok Sabha elections, slated to occur in seven phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1, with results anticipated on June 4.
Addressing the presser in New Delhi said there won’t be simultaneous polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, assembly elections for Andhra Pradesh are set for May 13, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh on April 19, and Odisha on May 13.
He emphasized its dedication to overcoming the 4Ms—muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC (Model Code of Conduct) violations—that impede the journey toward fair and impartial elections.
Approximately 97 crore eligible voters are poised to participate in these elections, with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announcing provisions such as voting from home for individuals above 85 years of age and ensuring essential amenities like drinking water and sanitation at all polling stations.
As the present Lok Sabha tenure concludes on June 16, necessitating the formation of a new House, alongside the conclusion of the four state assemblies’ terms, this electoral cycle assumes paramount significance.
In the previous parliamentary elections, the BJP secured 303 seats, eyeing a third consecutive term, while the Congress clinched 52 seats. For the opposition coalition INDIA, the upcoming polls stand as a pivotal opportunity to curb the BJP’s electoral dominance. (With Inputs from Agencies )