Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism on Monday morning, anticipating a robust turnout to fortify the democratic process, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah called upon voters, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, to mobilize in unprecedented numbers as polling commenced for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing the nation through a social media platform, PM Modi articulated, “In the ongoing fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, spanning 96 constituencies across 10 States and Union Territories, I am confident that constituents will participate in significant numbers. The momentum will be fueled by the active engagement of young and female voters. Let us collectively fulfill our civic duty and reinforce the bedrock of our democracy!”
Similarly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah implored voters, especially those in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, to converge at polling stations in unprecedented numbers. “As the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections unfolds, I appeal to voters in these regions to converge at polling booths in historic numbers. Let us usher in a government committed to upholding our cultural heritage, prioritizing the welfare of the underprivileged, combating extremism, and advancing India’s development agenda. Each ballot cast will serve as a steadfast pillar supporting a resilient, formidable, and decisive governance,” posted Amit Shah on the aforementioned platform.
Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections commenced at 7:00 am across 96 Parliamentary Constituencies spanning nine states and one Union Territory. Concurrently, polling also commenced for all 175 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and 28 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Odisha.
Among the 96 Lok Sabha seats, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana each contribute 25 and 17 seats, respectively, while Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal contribute 13, 11, 8, and 8 seats, respectively. Additionally, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir contribute 5, 4, 4, and 1 seat(s), respectively.
“The fourth phase will witness 1,717 candidates vying for victory across 10 States/UTs,” disclosed the Election Commission of India. Furthermore, the Election Commission reported a total of 4,264 nominations filed for the 96 parliamentary constituencies. Notably, Telangana led with 1,488 nominations, closely followed by Andhra Pradesh with 1,103 nominations across 25 constituencies.
In Telangana, the Malkajgiri Parliamentary Constituency received the highest number of nominations at 177, followed by Nalgonda and Bhongir with 114 nominations each.
This phase is characterized by significant electoral contests across various constituencies, featuring prominent leaders such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Mahua Moitra, BJP leader Giriraj Singh, JDU’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), and TMC leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan.
Other notable contenders include BJP leaders Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha, as well as Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila. Notable Lok Sabha seats witnessing voting include Baharampur, Hyderabad, Krishnanagar, Begusarai, Munger, Srinagar, Asansol, Kannauj, Kadapa, and Khunti.
According to the IMD forecast, there are no significant concerns regarding hot weather conditions during the polling in the fourth phase. “Weather predictions indicate that the Parliamentary Constituencies slated for polls are likely to experience normal to below-normal temperatures (+-2 degrees), with no anticipated heatwave conditions on polling day. Nevertheless, meticulous arrangements have been made at all polling stations to ensure voter convenience, including provisions for water, canopies, and fans,” stated the Election Commission.