Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Voting begins for 4th phase in 96 seats across 9 states and one UT

The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections symbolizes not just a political event, but a celebration of the democratic spirit and the power...

Digital Desk: Voting for the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway in 96 Parliamentary Constituencies across 9 States and one Union territory. All 175 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and 28 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Odisha are also witnessing the polling today. 

Voters are casting their ballots in all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, 25 in Andhra Pradesh, 13 in Uttar Pradesh, five in Bihar, four in Jharkhand, eight in Madhya Pradesh, 11 in Maharashtra, four in Odisha, eight in West Bengal, and one in Jammu and Kashmir.

A total of 1,717 candidates from 10 States/UTs are in contention for parliamentary seats in this phase, demonstrating the vibrant mosaic of Indian democracy. The Election Commission of India disclosed that a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for the 96 parliamentary constituencies under scrutiny.

This phase holds significant electoral implications as the fate of several prominent leaders hangs in the balance. From Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to Union minister Giriraj Singh, from TMC's dynamic leader Mohua Moitra to AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, a diverse array of political stalwarts are awaiting the verdict of the electorate.

Moreover, the assembly battles in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha add layers to this electoral spectacle. In Andhra Pradesh, the three-way tussle between the YSRC, the Congress-led INDIA bloc, and the NDA intensifies the political drama, while in Odisha, 28 legislative assembly seats are up for grabs, adding to the electoral stakes.

With over 19 lakh polling officials deployed at 1.92 lakh polling stations to accommodate the over 17.70 crore eligible voters, including 8.73 crore women, this phase exemplifies the democratic vibrancy of the nation.

As the electoral marathon progresses, all eyes are on the closely contested battles featuring prominent figures like Akhilesh Yadav, Giriraj Singh, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Pankaja Munde, Asaduddin Owaisi, and YS Sharmila, among others. The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections symbolizes not just a political event, but a celebration of the democratic spirit and the power vested in the hands of the electorate.