As the Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, prepares to unveil the schedule for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, India braces for a significant political event. The general elections are anticipated to occur in phases throughout April and May, with four states—Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim—and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir likely to hold simultaneous Assembly elections.
In the backdrop of this electoral anticipation, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government eyes a rare third term, while the opposition, united under the INDIA bloc, aims to challenge their dominance. Both regional and national parties have commenced announcing candidates for the 543 Parliamentary constituencies, with the BJP and Congress leading the way with comprehensive candidate lists.
Campaign activities have already begun, with the BJP expressing confidence in securing over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha. Following the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct will come into effect, prohibiting the ruling government from making new policy decisions. The Lok Sabha election results are expected to be declared in the last week of May.
With nearly 97 crore eligible voters—an increase of six percent since 2019—efforts are underway to accommodate the growing electorate, with an estimated increase in polling stations from 10.36 lakh in 2019 to 11.8 lakh in 2024.
Additionally, discussions regarding the feasibility of synchronised elections nationwide are ongoing, with a High-Level Committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind presenting recommendations to President Droupadi Murmu, and consultations held with former Chief Justices Deepak Mishra and SA Bobde by the 'One Nation One Election' team.