Phase 3

1. Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections begins today, signifying a crucial juncture in India’s democracy.
2. With 10 states and two Union Territories in the fray, this phase witnesses the engagement of prominent political figures, intensifying the competition.
3. Notable personalities from diverse political backgrounds contribute to the significance of this electoral phase.

New Delhi, May 07: Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections commences today, marking a pivotal moment in India’s democratic process.

Spanning 10 states and two Union Territories, this phase sees the participation of notable figures from various political spectrums, amplifying the stakes of the electoral contest.

Among the prominent contenders are Home Minister Amit Shah, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, NCP leader Supriya Sule, and Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav.

With over 17 crore eligible voters, the electoral landscape encompasses 93 constituencies, comprising 72 general seats, 10 reserved for Scheduled Castes, and 11 for Scheduled Tribes.

Also Read: Manipur Allocates Rs 6.9 Crore from State Disaster Relief Fund for Thunderstorm-Affected Regions

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key highlights surrounding Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections:

  1. Geographical Spread: Phase 3 encompasses a diverse range of regions, including Assam (4 seats), Bihar (5 seats), Chhattisgarh (7 seats), Goa (2 seats), Gujarat (26 seats), Karnataka (14 seats), Madhya Pradesh (8 seats), Maharashtra (11 seats), Uttar Pradesh (10 seats), West Bengal (4 seats), Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu (2 seats).
  2. Candidate Dynamics: A total of 1,331 candidates are vying for victory in this phase, with the BJP fielding the highest number of candidates at 81, closely followed by the Congress with 67 candidates.
  3. 2019 Recap: In the previous Lok Sabha elections’ Phase 3, the BJP secured a commanding lead by winning 72 out of 94 seats. The Congress and Shiv Sena clinched four seats each, while other parties secured a marginal share of the electoral pie.
  4. Key Contests: The electoral battleground witnesses high-profile matchups, with BJP stalwart Amit Shah contesting from Gandhinagar, Jyotiraditya Scindia from Guna, Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Vidisha, and Supriya Sule defending her seat in Baramati against Sunetra Pawar.
  5. Opposition Front: Opposition contenders include Samajwadi Party’s Dimple Yadav, Congress’s Digvijaya Singh, and Geetha Shivarajkumar, presenting a formidable challenge in their respective constituencies.
  6. Election Dynamics: Notable shifts in election dynamics include the cancellation of elections in the Surat Lok Sabha seat, where BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal emerged victorious uncontested. Additionally, the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a deferment to May 25 due to logistical challenges, highlighting the complexities of conducting elections in certain regions.
  7. Rescheduled Polls: The Betul Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh, originally slated for Phase 2, will now witness polling in Phase 3 following the postponement due to the unfortunate demise of a Bahujan Samaj Party candidate.
  8. Upcoming Phases: As Phase 3 unfolds, attention turns to the subsequent phases, with Phase 4 scheduled for May 13. The culmination of the electoral process will see the counting of votes on June 4, determining the fate of candidates and shaping the political landscape of the nation.

Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections stands as a testament to India’s vibrant democracy, characterized by its diverse electorate, spirited contestations, and the relentless pursuit of democratic ideals.

As voters exercise their franchise, the nation embarks on a journey of collective decision-making, echoing the essence of democracy in action.