First phase voting begins in 102 LS constituencies in India, 5 in Assam

• Image Credit: Google

• Apr 19, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

As the electoral process unfolds, citizens are urged to exercise their democratic rights responsibly and participate actively in shaping the future...

Digital Desk: As the political landscape of India gears up for the first phase of the Lok Sabha general elections, voters in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories are set to cast their ballots on Friday, April 19.

In Assam, five Lok Sabha constituencies – Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Kaziranga, and Dibrugarh – will witness electoral battles. Notable candidates include Kamakhya Prasad Tasa of the BJP and Roselina Tirkey of the Congress in Kaziranga, Uday Shankar Hazarika of the Congress against Pradan Baruah of the BJP in Lakhimpur, and Lurinjyoti Gogoi of the AJP challenging BJP's central minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Dibrugarh.

Campaigning for this phase concluded recently, with the BJP emphasizing Prime Minister Modi's popularity, while the Opposition focused on issues such as unemployment and farmer distress. In the 2019 elections, the Congress-led UPA won 45 of these seats, with the BJP-led NDA securing 41.

Simultaneously, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are witnessing Assembly elections. In Arunachal Pradesh, polling will be held in 50 out of 60 seats, with the BJP uncontested in 10. In Sikkim, where 32 Assembly seats are up for grabs, the ruling SKM is confident of retaining power, while the SDF faces challenges amid voter apathy. With the Congress nearly absent, the BJP and Citizen Action Party emerge as potential contenders.

As the electoral process unfolds, citizens are urged to exercise their democratic rights responsibly and participate actively in shaping the future of the nation. With diverse candidates and competing ideologies, the first phase sets the stage for a closely watched electoral contest, offering voters a chance to voice their aspirations and concerns for a better tomorrow.