The eagerly anticipated Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra have commenced, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) unveiling the schedule for the state’s parliamentary polls. Spanning over five phases, the electoral process began on Friday, marking the beginning of a significant democratic exercise.
Key Points:
- The Election Commission of India announced the dates for Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha elections on March 16, 2024. The state’s electoral process is divided into five phases, each covering a specific set of constituencies.
- The first phase, held on April 19, covered constituencies including Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, and Chandrapur.
- Phase II, scheduled for April 26, included Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani constituencies.
- On May 7, Phase III encompassed constituencies such as Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur.
- Phase IV, slated for May 13, covered Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, and Beed constituencies.
- The final phase, Phase V, is scheduled for May 20, including Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South-Central, and Mumbai South constituencies.
- Vote counting will take place nationwide on June 4, 2024, with Maharashtra contributing to the tally of 48 Lok Sabha seats.
- The implementation of the model code of conduct from March 16 onwards ensures fair and ethical conduct throughout the electoral process, extending until the completion of the vote counting process on June 4.
- The public notice issued by the Election Commission emphasizes that voters in the mentioned constituencies who are away from home for business purposes will be granted a public holiday to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
- Additionally, the model code of conduct applies to state and federal government offices, semi-government offices, public companies, and other establishments to maintain integrity and fairness during the election period.
As Maharashtra gears up for its Lok Sabha elections, citizens are encouraged to exercise their democratic right by casting their votes on the designated polling days. With the electoral process unfolding across the state, the democratic spirit of the nation is reignited, fostering active citizen engagement and participation in shaping the country’s future.
