India General Elections 2024 to conclude today, PM Modi among 904 candidates in fray for final phase

Narendra Modi. Pic/AFP

The seventh and last phase of India General Elections 2024 is underway, covering 57 parliamentary constituencies across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Election Commission of India reports that over 10.06 crore voters, including approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female, and 3574 third-gender electors, are exercising their franchise. A total of 904 candidates are contesting in this phase.

Prominent candidates include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders Kangana Ranaut, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Congress leaders Manish Tewari, and Charanjit Singh Channi, among others.

Polling will be taking place in Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Additionally, 42 Assembly Constituencies of the Odisha State Legislative Assembly will have simultaneous polling.

This phase marks the culmination of the India General Elections 2024, covering 486 Lok Sabha seats across six phases since May 19. The final results will be announced on June 4.

The Election Commission assured that polling stations for the last phase of India General Elections 2024 are well-prepared with basic facilities such as shade, drinking water, ramps, and toilets. Measures have been taken to manage adverse weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for voters.

Despite hot weather conditions, voter turnout has been high in previous phases, with female voter turnout surpassing male turnout in the last two phases.

The Commission urges voters to participate in large numbers and vote responsibly. Special trains and helicopter sorties have been deployed for ferrying polling and security personnel, while extensive surveillance teams are in place to monitor any irregularities.

Assured minimum facilities are provided at polling stations to accommodate all voters, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.

High-voltage campaigning for the final phase of India General Elections 2024 ended on Thursday, with Prime Minister Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conducting numerous rallies and public interactions throughout the campaign period.

Earlier phases of Lok Sabha elections were held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, and May 25. Assembly polls have also been conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, with simultaneous polls in Odisha.