The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, unveiled the schedule for the 18th Lok Sabha elections. The general elections are to occur in phases throughout April, May, and June, 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. At the same time, 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 are already going, 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 will be declared on June 4.

With nearly 97 crore eligible voters an increase of six percent since 2019 arrangements have been made to accommodate the growing electorate, with an estimated increase in polling stations from 10.36 lakh in 2019 to 11.8 lakh in 2024.