As the third phase of India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaches on May 7, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed that Gujarat and Maharashtra are leading the way in terms of nominations.
A total of 2,963 nominations were filed across 95 parliamentary constituencies in 12 states and union territories. “In phase 3, Gujarat had a maximum of 658 nominations from 26 parliamentary constituencies, followed by Maharashtra with 519 nominations from 11,” the ECI announced in a press release.
Among the constituencies, Maharashtra’s Osmanabad saw the highest number of nominations, with 77 forms filed, followed by Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh, which received 68. After thorough scrutiny, the ECI reported that 1,563 nominations were found valid.
“The eight nominations for Madhya Pradesh’s Betul seat are included in the valid count,” the ECI stated, explaining that the election for Betul had been postponed to the third phase following the death of the BSP candidate.
Surat’s BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed after eight candidates withdrew their nominations and the Congress nominee’s candidacy was canceled.
The 12 states and union territories participating in the third phase of elections include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
“The third phase of polling is crucial in deciding the composition of India’s Parliament,” remarked political analyst Rajiv Mehta. “We see high voter engagement across constituencies, and the ECI’s transparency in managing the process is key to maintaining confidence.”
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases, with the first phase commencing on April 19. The results for the polls are expected on June 4.
