As voting for the fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha election commenced in 96 constituencies today, initial data shows a turnout of 10.35% as of 9am. West Bengal recorded the highest turnout at 15.24%, while Jammu and Kashmir saw the lowest at 5.07%. Along with the parliamentary seats, 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh and 28 in Odisha are also up for grabs, making it a crucial day for the ruling YSRCP, Congress-led INDIA bloc, and the NDA. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won 42 out of the 96 seats, while the opposition INDIA bloc and ruling NDA won 11 and 47 seats respectively.
India's Fourth Phase of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Voter Turnout and Key Contests
On Thursday, April 25th, 2024, India commenced the fourth phase of its Lok Sabha elections, the lower house of parliament. Elections were held in 96 constituencies across 15 states and union territories.
Initial Voter Turnout
As of 9am, the initial voter turnout stood at 10.35%. West Bengal recorded the highest turnout at 15.24%, while Jammu and Kashmir saw the lowest at 5.07%.
Key Contests
Along with the parliamentary seats, 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh and 28 in Odisha are also up for grabs. The ruling YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh, the Congress-led INDIA bloc, and the NDA are locked in a fierce contest.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won 42 out of the 96 seats in the fourth phase. The opposition INDIA bloc won 11 seats, and the ruling NDA won 47 seats.
Background
The Lok Sabha is India's lower house of parliament, consisting of 543 members. Elections are held every five years to elect members of the Lok Sabha, who represent constituencies across the country. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are spread across seven phases, with the final phase scheduled for May 19th.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What are the key issues in this phase of the elections?
Answer: Key issues include: unemployment, inflation, farm distress, corruption, and national security.
2. Who are the main parties contesting in these constituencies?
Answer: The main parties are the BJP, the Congress, the INDIA bloc, the YSRCP, and regional parties such as the DMK and the Shiv Sena.
3. What is the significance of the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Assembly elections being held concurrently?
Answer: The results of these Assembly elections could have an impact on the Lok Sabha elections in these states.
4. What are the expectations for voter turnout?
Answer: The Election Commission of India is hoping for a high voter turnout, and has made efforts to increase electoral participation.
5. When will the results be announced?
Answer: The results of the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections will be announced on May 2nd, along with the results of the second and third phases.
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