India (Commonwealth Union)_ Amidst the seven-phase electoral process of the Lok Sabha polls, the recent third phase witnessed voting activities spanning across 93 constituencies dispersed throughout 11 states and a Union Territory. Notably, the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency election in Jammu and Kashmir has been deferred until May 25. This crucial phase hosted a contest among over 1,300 candidates, among whom were 120 female aspirants. Across 11 states and union territories, the voter turnout for this phase stood at 64.4%, reflecting substantial civic participation in the electoral process.
Also read: Modi casts his vote in Ahmedabad
Within this phase, voting occurred in various constituencies, including 26 seats in Gujarat, 14 in Karnataka, 11 in Maharashtra, and further allocations in Uttar Pradesh (10), Madhya Pradesh (8), Chhattisgarh (7), Bihar (5), Assam (4), West Bengal (4), Goa (2), as well as 2 in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Spanning from April 19 to June 1, the Lok Sabha elections are unfolding across seven phases, with the counting of votes slated for June 4.
Accordingly, commending the Election Commission’s efforts in maintaining a peaceful electoral environment during the initial phases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to actively partake in the voting process, emphasizing its significance as a cornerstone of democracy. PM Modi underscored the significance of India’s electoral process, suggesting it as a potential model for democratic practices worldwide, thereby attracting academic scrutiny and analysis. He stated, “I congratulate the Election Commission for conducting the first two phases of elections almost violence-free. I also congratulate the Election Commission for conducting the polls in a voter-friendly manner”.
Also read: Lok Sabha elections amidst heated exchange
Conversely, terming the ongoing Lok Sabha polls as pivotal, opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also urged citizens to recognize its significance in safeguarding democratic principles and constitutional integrity. Taking to X, Rahul penned, “Today is the third phase of voting! I request all of you to come out in large numbers and vote to protect your rights. Remember, this is not an ordinary election, it is an election to protect the democracy and constitution of the country.”
Phase 3 witnessed distinguished political figures contesting in the electoral race, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Chief Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi from Karnataka, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from West Bengal, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Digvijaya Singh, along with other prominent leaders from various parties. Additionally, the polling day witnessed the active participation of the top political figures, including PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and others, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in shaping the nation’s future through the electoral process.
Phase 3 electoral events also mark the culmination of polling activities for more than half of the 543 parliamentary seats, potentially signaling the nation’s preliminary judgment. Accordingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures victory in the Surat constituency uncontested, owing to the Election Commission’s dismissal of the Congress candidate’s nomination and the withdrawal of other contenders. Additionally, Phase 3 of the election primarily encompassed regions where the BJP holds significant influence. In the preceding 2019 elections, the party clinched 72 out of the 92 seats contested in this phase, with 26 of them situated in Gujarat alone.
Furthermore, Karnataka, another state where the BJP has historically performed strongly, presents an unpredictable scenario amidst a scandal involving its ally, the Janata Dal Secular, embroiled in a significant controversy. However, the BJP distanced itself from this scandalous affair. Additionally, Maharashtra, home to 11 out of 48 contested seats, proves challenging to decipher, given the dramatic political transformations witnessed in recent years. A notable contest also emerged in Baramati, with competition between Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar vying for supremacy.
Further, elections were also held in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, where polls scheduled for Phase 2 were postponed due to the unfortunate demise of a candidate from Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party. The electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag-Rajouri constituency also experienced postponement after concerns raised by the BJP regarding adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the closure of a vital tunnel connecting both ends of the constituency also posed substantial campaign impediments, prompting the BJP to abstain from contesting in this constituency and highlighting the formidable challenge it presents.
Overall, as the electoral process progresses, phase 3 voting marks a significant milestone, encompassing more than half of the parliamentary seats, potentially signalling early indications of the country’s electoral inclinations. Moreover, the BJP’s uncontested victory in the Surat seat, coupled with the intriguing dynamics of key battleground states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, underscores the evolving narrative of Indian politics amidst electoral transitions.
