Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is set to commence, with 96 parliamentary seats across 10 states and union territories up for grabs. This phase holds significant weight, with 17.7 crore eligible voters poised to determine the fate of 1717 candidates vying for these seats.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Comprehensive electoral arrangementsPreparations for the voting process have been diligently completed, ensuring smooth conduct on Monday. Voting will span from 7 am to 6 pm, with extensions in certain constituencies, accommodating voters in Telangana until 7 pm. The Election Commission has orchestrated meticulous arrangements, including airlifting polling materials and teams to various regions.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voter demographics and regional representationA diverse voter demographic comprising 8.97 crore males and 8.73 crore females is expected to exercise their power to elect. Simultaneously, voting for assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will transpire alongside the parliamentary elections. Despite the absence of a forecasted heat wave, provisions for voter comfort, such as shade, drinking water, and fans, have been diligently arranged at polling centers.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Political landscape and key contendersThe electoral battle spans across states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Notable personalities, including ministers from the Modi government, former chief ministers, cricketers, and actors, await their fate in this phase.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dual elections in Andhra PradeshIn Andhra Pradesh, simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will unfold. Noteworthy contests include BJPs Madhavi Lata from Hyderabad, Telangana, and former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidus Telugu Desam Party in alliance with BJP. Stalwarts like Shatrughan Sinha and Akhilesh Yadav are among the prominent candidates seeking electoral success.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Demographic distribution of seatsAmong the 96 parliamentary seats, 64 fall under the general category, with 12 earmarked for Scheduled Tribes and 20 for Scheduled Castes. A similar distribution is mirrored in the assembly seats of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, ensuring proportional representation.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Rigorous electoral deploymentOver 19 lakh polling officers will be deployed across 1.92 lakh polling stations to facilitate the electoral process. The Election Commissions meticulous planning includes provisions for elderly and disabled voters, with the option for home voting garnering positive feedback. Additionally, a robust contingent of observers ensures the seamless and peaceful conduct of the electoral proceedings.
