Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting Live Updates
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first reaction after voting for the first phase of voting ended said, “Getting EXCELLENT feedback from today’s voting. It’s clear that people across India are voting for NDA [National Democratic Alliance] in record numbers." In a post on X, he reiterated, “First phase, great response!"
As many as 60 percent of the total electors across 102 parliamentary seats voted till 7 pm on Friday. The first phase of voting for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 were held for 102 parliamentary seats across 21 states and Union Territories on Friday, April 19. The polling commenced at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm.
The states and Union Territories where elections were held in the first phase include Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5 seats), Bihar (4 seats), Chhattisgarh (1 seat), Madhya Pradesh (6 seats), Maharashtra (5 seats), Manipur (2 seats), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1 seat), Nagaland (1 seat), Rajasthan (12 seats), Sikkim (1 seat), Tamil Nadu (39 seats), Tripura (1 seat), Uttar Pradesh (8 seats), Uttarakhand (5 seats), Andaman and Nicobar (1 seat), Jammu and Kashmir (1 seat), Lakshadweep (1 seat) and Puducherry (1 seat). All 39 seats of Tamil Nadu are going to polls in the first phase.
Overall, voting for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases beginning today. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is seeking a record third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set a target of winning 400 seats this election. The ruling alliance is challenged by the opposition parties led by the Congress under the banner of INDIA block.
The counting of votes for all seven phases of Lok Sabha Elections will take place on June 4.
Lok Sabha Election Phase 1 Voting Live: Second phase voting dates here
Lok Sabha Election Phase 1 Voting Live: The voting for second phase will be held on April 26. In the Lok Sabha elections this year, voting will take place in seven phases similar to last general elections of 2019. The dates on which voting of the remaining phases will take place will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1 accordingly.
Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha elections, Phase 1 Updates | 72.09% polling recorded as of 7 pm
Polling ended in all the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu on April 19 in the first phase of the 2024 general elections as the BJP’s ambition to emerge as a force challenging Dravidian parties in the State was tested. The BJP drew a blank in 2019.
A tale of three fronts in Tamil Nadu
In 2019, the DMK-led alliance won 39 of the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Nearly 6.23 crore electors in Tamil Nadu will cast their votes, with 950 candidates in the fray.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the State multiple times during election campaigns, as the BJP sought a foothold in the State. However, the leading contenders are still the Dravidian majors, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam( AIADMK).
Election-bound Tamil Nadu among top States in many socio-economic measures: Data
The BJP, which has allied with a few smaller parties, has sought to upend the State’s conventional politics, which has so far been indifferent to Hindutva politics, by taking the ruling DMK head-on for its alleged insult of Sanatan Dharma besides involvement in corruption. The Prime Minister visited many temples in the run-up to the elections, especially in the days ahead of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in January.
Battle for Dravidian homeland | Infographics
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has dismissed all the buzz around the BJP as propaganda, while terming the fight against the national party as a battle for democracy’s survival in the country.
Around 10.24 lakh voters in Puducherry will choose their nominee for the lone seat from 26 contestants. All four leading contestants advocated for Statehood for the Union Territory in their campaigns.
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Ballots have closed in the first of the seven phases of India’s weeks-long general election.
- The first phase included 166 million eligible voters in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories.
- The polls are primarily pitting the National Democratic Alliance led by two-time Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, spearheaded by the main opposition party, Indian National Congress.
- Voters will be electing representatives for the 543 seats of the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament. The party or coalition that secures a majority will form the next government.
- Some 969 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the world’s largest democratic exercise over seven weeks. The results will be announced on June 4.
India Election 2024: What you need to know about Narendra Modi
From a small town to the seat of power in Delhi
Narendra Modi’s humble beginnings in Gujarat state didn’t limit his ambition. He joined politics in his twenties, and rose through the ranks of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In 2001, he became the chief minister of his home state, then in 2014 he was elected prime minister of India. After almost a decade in power, his popularity has only increased, with analysts saying he’s likely to win a third term.
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His Hindu nationalism has struck a chord
Mr Modi’s visits to important Hindu temples are often broadcast by the media, which energises his supporters. However, Muslim groups say they often face discrimination and attacks, and have been forced to live as "second-class" citizens under Mr Modi's rule - an allegation the BJP denies.
In January, Mr Modi opened the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Millions of Hindus supported the construction, which is said to mark the birthplace of Lord Ram. It is built at a site where a mosque once stood, before it was torn down by right-wing groups in 1992.
He has crafted an image as a world leader
He is known for forging close ties with world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. His biggest moment on the world stage arrived when he hosted the G20 summit in Delhi last year, where he emerged as the voice of the developing world.
Analysts say he has worked just as hard on his popularity in India, opening massive developmental projects, holding energetic roadshows and participating in unusual publicity campaigns - one even saw him snorkel in the sea to promote a development project.
His popularity has helped the BJP’s success
Political observers say his charisma, coupled with welfare schemes and a publicity blitz, has helped the party win successive general elections. This is despite criticisms around the rising rate of unemployment - especially among the young - and increasing prices.
Even with these cracks, the opposition hasn’t been able to halt Mr Modi’s popularity. Partly, they say, this is because of attempts to silence or attack critics of the government. Mr Modi and his party have denied these allegations.
He is known for his ‘masterstrokes’
Some of his appeal has been credited to what media have dubbed his “masterstroke” moves – and their timing.
Just before the 2019 election, PM Modi sent fighter jets inside Pakistani territory in response to a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Soon after, nationalism became a major theme in the party's election strategy.
Observers are now wondering if resurrecting a controversial citizenship law could be 2024’s masterstroke. It offers amnesty to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries, with Mr Modi's government saying it gives sanctuary to people fleeing religious persecution. But critics say the law is anti-Muslim.
He remains a divisive figure
Mr Modi’s supporters say that he is the prime minister India needs. They point to his government’s developmental projects and welfare schemes, including providing free food grains, building toilets, and opening bank accounts for millions.
But his critics say that his government has clamped down on dissent, favours the rich and that under him, there has been a rise in violence against Muslims and other minorities.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India mark a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic journey, with the BJP-led NDA aiming for a third consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first phase of voting has concluded with significant voter turnout across 102 parliamentary seats, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election. The battlelines are drawn between the NDA and the INDIA block, with both alliances vying for dominance across India's diverse electoral landscape.
