Lok Sabha Elections 2024 dates announced: Polls to be held from April 19 in 7 phases, result on June 4

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "I hope the upcoming elections will be conducted fairly and without violence...We have been saying since starting that everyone should get equal rights, we demand this only... Elections can be conducted in 10 phases also if ECI wants but this shows that things have not changed, we are still stuck with the 7 phases process. We talk about digital India but are stuck with the 7-phase process... Also, it would have been a good thing if elections (Assembly) had been announced in J&K also, why are we waiting till September?..."

BJP national president JP Nadda tweets, "I welcome the announcement of Lok Sabha elections 2024 by the Election Commission. Elections are the biggest festival of democracy. It is a medium to keep the country and the state moving on the path of development and good governance..."

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, " This is an election that will decide the future of India. What kind of India do you want to leave behind to your children? What kind of India do you want to live in? If BJP comes to power again, they have a vision of one language, one nation, one religion, one leader, one party and one election as well. That is going to be their approach whereas ours is, inclusion of celebrating diversity and pluralism and all the wonderful characteristics we in Kerala have got used to and love so much..."

The biggest festival of democracy has started. The Election Commission has announced the dates of 2024 Lok Sabha elections. BJP-NDA is fully prepared to contest these elections. On the basis of our track record of good governance and public service, we will go among the people. I have full confidence that we will get full affection and blessings of 140 crore family members and more than 96 crore voters for the third consecutive time.

Election to be held in 7 phases, results on June 4

Bypolls to take place for 26 Assembly seats, announces CEC Rajiv Kumar.

Over 2,100 General, Police, and Expenditure Observers are being deployed for elections. They are the eyes and ears of the Commission Overseeing the conduct of inducement and intimidation-free elections and a level playing field for all. Elections aim for key outcomes: enhanced citizen participation and zero violence. The Commission strives for reduced repolls, no inducements, clear campaigns, and curbing fake narratives. Ensuring a successful electoral process is a top priority: CEC.

Engaging political parties constructively, the ECI has streamlined processes through the IEMS portal and action against defaulting RUPPs. All stakeholders are called upon to maintain respectful discourse, especially regarding PwDs and no use of children in political campaigning: CEC.

Urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language. No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility.Let's not cross lines in our rivalry: CEC

Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news to be dealt with severely as per extant laws. Remember, "Verify Before You Amplify" is the mantra to combat fake news. Let's rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process; CEC  

ECI held extensive reviews with enforcement agencies. Measures like ESMs portal, coordination btw agencies resulted in exponential increase seizures in last 11 elections. In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizure surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago. Enforcement agencies are directed to crackdown on illicit money, liquor, drugs, and freebies, staying vigilant against disruptive methods.

The daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations, says CEC Rajiv Kumar. ECI is committed and has put in place measures to deal with these disruptive challenges. 

ECI is sensitive to environmentally sustainable elections. Making efforts to minimise single use plastic and encourage eco-friendly practices in the election process.

With 4 enrolment dates, we have 1.8cr 1st-time voters and 19.74 cr young voters in 20-29 age group. Collaborations with icons like Sachin Tendulkar & Rajkummar Rao, social media campaigns & radio engagement aim to enhance youth participation.

Growing gender ratio in electoral rolls is a testament to women celebrating their right to vote. Efforts have brought women into the process,with 12 States/UTs boasting an elector gender ratio over 1000. Over 85 lakh 1st-time women voters  will participate in this year's election

ECI follows strict SOPs in electoral roll preparation, leaving no voter behind. Our commitment to transparency includes regular consultations with political parties and full disclosure on our website. Grievance redressal is prioritised at every stage.

1.80 crore are first-time voters in the Lok Sabha Election 2024: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar adding 49.70 crore are male voters and 47.10 crore are female voters.

India gets ready for celebration of democracy with 97 Cr voters, 1.5 Cr polling officials & 10.5 lakh polling stations. A mammoth exercise in democracy which is world’s largest electoral movement of man and material. Over 55 lakh EVMs to be deployed for 2024 elections.

We have more than 97 crore voters and over 10.5 lakh polling stations and 55 lakh EVMs: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

CEC Kumar emphasises every election as a sacred responsibility entrusted by Constitution which ECI takes up with humility and diligence, leaving no room for complacency. Commitment to fair and transparent elections remains steadfast.

CEC refers to GE 2024, a historic opportunity when Indians will together express their will once again. Promises to deliver a national election that will remain a beckon for electoral democracies across the world. 

I request all the voters to get 'inked', says Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. He adds, 'It is our promise to deliver a national election that will add to our global shine.'

CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sandhu addresses a pc on the announcement of schedule for GE2024 to Lok Sabha & State Assemblies.

Punjab Lok Sabha Election Results 2019:
Total Seats: 13

Congress: 08
SAD: 02
BJP: 02
AAP: 01

Haryana Lok Sabha Election Results 2019:
Total Seats: 10

BJP: 10
Congress: 00
INLD: 00

Delhi Lok Sabha Election Results 2019:
Total Seats: 07

BJP: 07
Congress: 00
AAP: 00

Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Results 2019:
Total Seats: 04

BJP: 04
Congress: 00

Uttarakhand Lok Sabha Election Results 2019:
Total Seats: 05

BJP: 05
Congress: 00

Besides the general elections, four states including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh will also go for Assembly polls.

CEC Rajiv Kumar will address the Press Conference on General Elections 2024 together with EC's Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu 

Last time in 2019 the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10 and held in seven phases beginning April 11. Votes were counted on May 23. 

The Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls today (Saturday).