National Desk, 13th May: On May 13, voters in nine states and one union territory are exercising their democratic right as India’s mega-electoral process enters its fourth phase. The voting commenced at 7 am, covering a total of 96 Lok Sabha constituencies alongside elections to two state legislative assemblies.
The voting landscape today spans across Andhra Pradesh (25), Telangana (17), Uttar Pradesh (13), Maharashtra (11), Madhya Pradesh (8), West Bengal (8), Bihar (5), Jharkhand (4), Odisha (4), and Jammu & Kashmir (1). Notably, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are also simultaneously electing new state assemblies. A total of 1,717 candidates are contesting in this phase, reflecting the diverse political spectrum of the nation.
Key contests are unfolding in various constituencies, featuring prominent candidates such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, Congress’s Adhir Chowdhury, TMC’s Mahua Moitra, BJP’s Giriraj Singh, JD(U)’s Lalan Singh, TMC’s Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan, BJP’s Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha, and Andhra Congress chief YS Sharmila.
Several high-profile Lok Sabha seats are witnessing active polling, including Baharampur, Hyderabad, Krishnanagar, Begusarai, Munger, Srinagar, Asansol, Kannauj, Kadapa, and Khunti.
The Election Commission has ensured extensive arrangements at all polling stations, including provisions like water, tents, and fans for voters’ comfort. In certain Telangana assembly segments, polling time has been extended to encourage greater voter turnout, underscoring the commitment to fostering inclusive democratic participation.