Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi Urges Participation In 'Democracy Duty' As Fourth Phase Voting Begins

An expression of hope was conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that people would vote in large numbers to strengthen democracy, while a call was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging voters, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, to reach polling booths in record numbers as polling commenced for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, on Monday Morning.

In a statement issued by PM Modi on X, it was mentioned, "In today's 4th Phase of the Lok Sabha elections, 96 seats across 10 States and UTs are being contested. It is expected that people in these constituencies will vote in large numbers, with a special emphasis on the participation of young voters and women voters to drive this surge in voting. Let's all fulfil our duty and strengthen our democracy!"

Photo Credit: PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his appeal, urged voters in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir to reach polling booths in record numbers for the purpose of forming a government focused on respecting heritage, prioritizing the welfare of the poor, striving to eradicate Naxalism, and working towards a developed India.

"A total of 1,717 candidates from 10 States/UTs will be contesting elections in phase 4 of the Lok Sabha polls," stated the Election Commission of India.

The Election Commission further indicated that a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for 96 parliamentary constituencies.

It was highlighted by the Election Commission that the maximum number of nomination forms were received from Telangana (1488) followed by Andhra Pradesh with 1103 nominations from 25 constituencies. Malkajgiri Parliamentary Constituency in Telangana received a maximum of 177 nomination forms, followed by 13-Nalgonda and 14-Bhongir in the same state with 114 nomination forms each.

Key contests are being witnessed in various constituencies during the fourth phase.

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), TMC leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan.BJP leaders Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha, and Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila are also in the fray.

Baharampur, Hyderabad, Krishnanagar, Begusarai, Munger, Srinagar, Asansol, Kannauj, Kadapa, and Khunti are some of the prominent Lok Sabha seats where voting is underway.

The Election Commission had increased the polling time in certain assembly segments of 17 Parliamentary Constituencies of Telangana (from 7 am to 6 pm) to boost voters' participation.

As per the IMD forecast, there are no significant concerns regarding hot weather conditions for the polling in phase 4.

"The weather forecast indicates that the Parliamentary Constituencies going for polls are likely to experience normal to below normal temperatures (+-2 degrees) and there will be no heat wave-like conditions in these areas on the polling day. However, for the convenience of voters, meticulous arrangements have been made at all polling stations, including facilities like water, shamiyana and fans," reported the Election Commission.