The third phase of India's General Elections 2024 took place on Tuesday with a record voter turnout of 61.08%. While states like Assam, Goa, and West Bengal saw high voter turnout percentages, opposition leaders alleged instances of booth capturing and tampering in areas like Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri constituency. In Gujarat's Surat, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal has already won uncontested after all other nominations were rejected or withdrawn.
India's 2024 General Elections: A Close Look
On Tuesday, India held the third phase of its 2024 General Elections, marking a significant milestone in the country's electoral process. With a record voter turnout of 61.08%, the third phase encompassed crucial states like Assam, Goa, and West Bengal. However, the elections were not without controversy, as opposition leaders raised concerns over allegations of booth capturing and tampering, particularly in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri constituency.
Background
The 2024 General Elections in India are the 18th since the country's independence in 1947. Held every five years, the elections determine the members of India's lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha. Over 900 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots in seven phases, with the final phase scheduled for May 22.
The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seeking a third consecutive term in office. The main opposition alliance, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), is led by the Indian National Congress (INC) and includes parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What states went to the polls in the third phase of the elections?
Q2: Who won uncontested in the third phase?
Q3: What were the allegations of electoral irregularities?
Q4: What is the expected date of the results announcement?
Q5: What is the significance of these elections?
Conclusion
As India's 2024 General Elections continue, the third phase has presented a mixed picture of high voter turnout and allegations of electoral irregularities. The upcoming phases of the elections will be closely watched by political analysts, parties, and the public alike, as the country prepares to elect its next government.
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of "desperately manipulating" voter lists and "eroding democracy" in Delhi elections. He also addressed the issue of misuse of central probe agencies and referenced his letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. While speaking, Kejriwal alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inducted corrupt leaders into his party using various tactics. The chief minister and other politicians expressed confidence that the people of Delhi will not fall for the BJP's conspiracies and will re-elect Kejriwal as the chief minister. However, California has taken some steps towards addressing racial disparities and discrimination, but direct cash payments to descendants of enslaved people have not been introduced yet.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been named as the primary accused in an alleged scam in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The FIR was filed by the Lokayukta police following a court order, and named Siddaramaiah's wife and another individual as secondary accused. This comes after the Karnataka Governor initiated an investigation against the CM for alleged irregularities in land allotment. Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing and refuses to step down from his position.
During her visit to Puducherry, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to discuss the latter's request for special financial assistance. Sitharaman advised the Puducherry government to prepare a detailed sector-wise report for consideration, pointing out the practical difficulties in conceding to the request. However, she promised to prioritize assistance for infrastructure projects and consider requests for assistance from industrial houses looking to set up units in Puducherry. The meeting was also attended by Speaker R. Selvam, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, and BJP legislators.
Activist Snehamayi Krishna, who has been fighting against the misuse of power by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, received a copy of the FIR from the Lokayukta in Mysuru on Friday. The complaint by Mr. Krishna has been upheld as the Supreme Court and has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The activist is confident in proving his allegations with documentary evidence and ensuring that illegal sites allotted by officials are surrendered in the MUDA scam.
Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the Ramanarayanam Theme Park in Vizianagaram and inaugurated the Valmiki Ramayana Research Centre. He praised Lord Srirama's ethical and moral values and encouraged youth to learn from his life. Naidu also emphasized the importance of Ramayana as a guide for personality development and called for a society without corruption and discrimination similar to the ideal Ramrajya.
Former Vice-President of India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu emphasized the concept of equal dharma for all and urged politicians to not disrespect dharma for their vote bank. He inaugurated the Valmiki Research Centre on Ramayana and also participated in the Sri Ramayana Sankharavam conclave. During his visit to Korukonda Sainik School, he stressed the importance of preserving mother tongue and cultural heritage and promoting national unity through learning Hindi.
The central government has announced a marginal hike in minimum wages for workers in the informal sector, effective from October 1. This move, which is part of an adjustment in the Variable Dearness Allowance, aims to alleviate the impact of rising living costs. The announcement comes amid protests calling for higher wages and the repeal of four labour codes. Additionally, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has also announced new minimum wage rates, which are the highest in the country, for workers in the unorganised sector.
Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh met with Congress general secretary KC Venugopal to discuss party and organizational activities amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the mandatory display of identity cards by street vendors in the state. The minister emphasized that it is their duty to protect the interests of Himachal and stated that the all-party committee formed on the issue will discuss and brainstorm a solution. The state government clarified that no decision has been made to make it mandatory for street vendors to display their identity cards, stating that the cabinet will take a final decision after considering the committee's report and feedback from the people.
In a disturbing turn of events, armed men claiming to be police raided the home of Daily News editor Guthrie Munyuki in Zimbabwe, after an error in an advert suggested President Emmerson Mnangagwa had died. The men temporarily detained Munyuki's family and examined their communications, causing alarm and concern among journalists and citizens alike. The incident highlights the dangerous suppression of press freedom and the climate of fear and intimidation in the country's political state.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is accusing ABC News of violating an agreement made with his campaign during the recent presidential debate, where he faced off against Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump specifically targeted moderator David Muir for fact-checking his statements, while allowing Harris to go unchallenged. Despite Trump's dissatisfaction with the moderation, he has not yet confirmed if he will participate in any future debates.