The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 is underway, with 49 seats across 8 states and Union Territories witnessing voting today, Monday, May 20. Notably, fourteen seats in Uttar Pradesh, thirteen in Maharashtra, seven in West Bengal, five each in Bihar and Odisha, and three in Jharkhand will see voters exercising their franchise. Additionally, the one seat in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will also be up for grabs. Following the completion of voting in 379 Lok Sabha seats in the preceding four phases of general elections, the fifth phase marks a significant milestone in the electoral process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all eligible voters in the constituencies participating in this phase to turn up in large numbers and exercise their democratic right. He has placed special emphasis on the participation of young voters and women, calling upon them to make their voices heard. PM Modi’s appeal underscores the significance of voter engagement and the impact it can have on shaping the outcome of the elections.
As the fifth phase unfolds, several key poll battles are poised to captivate the attention of the nation. In Uttar Pradesh, prominent contests include Amethi, where Smriti Irani is seeking re-election, Rae Bareli, where Rahul Gandhi is contesting, Lucknow, where Rajnath Singh is vying for a seat, and Kaiserganj, where Karan Bhushan Singh is hoping to make an impact. Bihar will witness crucial battles in Saran, where Rohini Acharya is contesting, and Hajipur, where Chirag Paswan is in the fray. Other noteworthy constituencies include Mumbai North, where Piyush Goyal is seeking re-election, Mumbai North Central, where Ujjwal Nikam is contesting, and Baramulla, where Omar Abdullah is hoping to retain his seat.
In Odisha, voters will not only participate in the Lok Sabha elections but also cast their ballots for the state assembly elections. The state will see simultaneous elections in 49 Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 assembly constituencies, adding to the complexity and importance of this electoral phase.
As the electoral race enters its fifth phase, the Election Commission of India has reported an overall voter turnout of 66.95 percent in the previous four phases of the Lok Sabha elections. The fifth phase is expected to witness a similar level of voter enthusiasm, with citizens across the participating states and Union Territories exercising their democratic rights and shaping the future of India’s governance.
