In a decisive pre-election move, the Election Commission has ordered the removal of the home secretaries of six states. These states include Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, directives to remove the DGP of West Bengal have been issued. It’s noteworthy that the Election Commission had previously relieved the West Bengal DGP of active election duties during the 2016 legislative assembly and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The Election Commission asserts that this action is taken to ensure equal opportunities in elections, sending a strong message that the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be fair and impartial. Furthermore, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, along with additional and deputy commissioners, has also been removed. Secretaries of General Administration Departments in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have faced dismissal as well.
Election Schedule Released on 16th March
The clarion call for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has been sounded across the country. The elections will take place in seven phases, with results announced on June 4. The Election Commission's commissioner, Rajeev Kumar, issued the election schedule on March 16, appealing to voters for maximum turnout. He informed that voters can use their EPIC number to get complete details about their polling booth.
The Election Process to Last 43 Days
First phase voting will commence on April 19. The entire election process will span 43 days, culminating with the announcement of the new government on June 4. The seven phases will see voting on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, respectively.
When and Where Will the Elections Take Place Nationwide?
The first phase on April 19 will witness voting in 21 states/union territories for 102 seats, completing the electoral process in 10 states.
In the second phase on April 26, 89 seats across 13 states/union territories will go to polls, concluding voting in four states.
The third phase on May 7 will cover voting for 94 seats in 12 states and union territories, finishing elections in six states/territories.
On May 13, the fourth phase, 10 states/territories will vote for 96 seats, wrapping up elections in three states/territories.
The fifth phase on May 20 will see voting for 49 seats in eight states/territories, concluding the process in three more states/territories.
The sixth phase on May 25 will involve polls for 57 seats in seven states/territories, completing elections in two more states/territories.
The seventh and final phase on June 1 will include voting for 57 seats in eight states/territories, marking the end of the electoral process in those regions.
