Today marks the beginning of the third phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, with polling commencing at 7 AM across 93 constituencies spanning 10 states and 2 union territories. The Election Commission has implemented stringent measures to ensure smooth and peaceful voting, with voters turning out in large numbers early in the day, taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. The BJP, which secured 72 of these seats in the 2019 elections, is looking to repeat its strong performance, particularly in Gujarat where it previously won all 26 seats.
This phase includes polling in Assam (4 seats), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (7), Goa (2), Gujarat (26), Karnataka (14), Madhya Pradesh (8), Maharashtra (11), Uttar Pradesh (10), West Bengal (4), as well as the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (2). In Madhya Pradesh, the polling for the Betul Lok Sabha seat was delayed from the second phase due to the demise of a Bahujan Samaj Party candidate. Approximately 1,300 candidates are contesting in this phase, including around 120 women.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are among the prominent figures casting their votes today, with both expected to vote within their home state of Gujarat, in the Gandhinagar constituency.
