Northeast Desk, 18th April: The Lok Sabha elections of 2024 are set to unfold in seven phases, with the electoral journey commencing on April 19 and culminating in the counting of votes on June 4.
First Phase Highlights:
- Date: April 19, 2024, with voting beginning at 7 am.
- States and Union Territories: 21 states and Union Territories.
- Key Constituencies: Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, Jorhat (Assam); Inner Manipur, Outer Manipur (Manipur).
- Key Candidates: Gaurav Gogoi (Jorhat LS seat), Sarbananda Sonowal (Dibrugarh LS seat), Angomcha Bimol Akoijam (Congress candidate for Inner Manipur LS Constituency), Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh (BJP candidate for Inner Manipur LS seat).
BJP’s Election Manifesto 2024:
- Focus: Upliftment of women, youth, farmers, and the poor.
- Highlights: ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Uniform Civil Code (UCC) implementation, continuation of the free ration scheme, coverage of every senior citizen over 70 under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, recognition and inclusion of the transgender community in the Ayushman Yojana, promotion of ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ zero electricity bills with PM Surya Ghar Yojana, development in Ayodhya with ‘Virasat Se Vikas’ and Ramayan Utsav, India’s mission to send a man to the moon and establish Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Congress’ Election Manifesto 2024:
- Name: ‘Nyay Patra.’
- Promise: Transfer of Rs 1,00,000 per year to India’s poorest families as an unconditional cash transfer, amendment of election laws to combine EVM efficiency with ballot paper transparency, repeal of laws impeding personal freedoms.
The electoral arena brims with anticipation as the nation awaits the democratic exercise, where competing visions and promises vie for the attention and trust of the electorate.
Read More: Fourth Phase of Lok Sabha Elections to Commence on May 13 Across 9 States and 1 Union Territory