New Delhi: In anticipation of the pivotal first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress strategists meticulously analyzed their approach for fine-tuning the voting process. A total of 102 out of the 543 seats, spanning 21 states, will participate in the elections on Friday. The final results for all 543 seats are expected on June 4.
The party’s organizers are hopeful that the vigor generated in the initial phase covering eight constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh will continue to resonate across the remaining 72 seats in forthcoming phases, benefitting the long-standing party’s alliance with the Samajwadi Party.
“We have meticulously reviewed our plans for the election day and directed our booth-level teams to maximize turnout and stay vigilant against any potential malpractices,” AICC General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh Avinash Pande conveyed to ETV Bharat.
“I have been engaging in discussions with local teams for over a month about managing booths. Additionally, I toured the eight constituencies slated for phase 1 and instructed our local operatives to coordinate closely with the Samajwadi Party teams at the booth level. This collaboration is crucial for a seamless and robust voting process. We have prepared our workers to monitor voter identification and the operational status of Electronic Voting Machines. The state control room in Lucknow will supervise the polling process, maintaining communication with our candidates and the national control room. During my tour, I observed public favor towards the alliance, but it’s essential that this translates into votes,” he added.
Maharashtra is another significant battleground where Congress, Shiv Sena UBT, and NCP-SP are campaigning together. Out of Maharashtra’s total 48 seats, the Congress will be vying for 17 seats. The party is actively contesting all five constituencies that will be voting on April 19.
“Clear instructions have been issued to booth agents and teams to stay vigilant throughout the entire voting process on Friday. Even though we are directly contesting in all five seats, our allies are actively working alongside us on the ground. We will be closely observing the election proceedings,” AICC Secretary in charge of Maharashtra Ashish Dua shared with ETV Bharat.
In the northeastern region, both Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur will witness voting in two constituencies each, while one constituency each in Nagaland and Meghalaya, and one in Tripura will also vote on April 19, in addition to five of Assam’s 14 seats.
Party insiders revealed that in recent months, local booth-level teams were assembled and trained to navigate the challenges of polling day in the rugged northeastern terrain. These teams have been engaging with voters, ensuring they are mobilized on Friday to achieve a respectable voter turnout.