Star-Studded Contest: Prominent Candidates in the Fray.

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh June 01, 2024||

As the curtains draw close on the grand spectacle of Indian democracy, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is fully prepared for Phase-7 of the Lok Sabha elections, set to unfold on Saturday. This crucial phase marks the final leg of a monumental polling process, with the spotlight firmly on Varanasi where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for a third consecutive term.

Epic Conclusion: 57 Constituencies Across Eight States.

In this final phase, polling will occur in 57 parliamentary constituencies spread across eight states and union territories. The electoral battle includes all 13 seats in Punjab and four in Himachal Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh will witness voting in 13 constituencies, while West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand will see ballots cast in nine, eight, six, and three seats respectively. Additionally, the Union Territory of Chandigarh is also heading to the polls.

Parallel to this, voters in Odisha will cast their votes for the remaining 42 assembly constituencies, alongside by-elections for six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh, ensuring a comprehensive democratic exercise.

Prominent Candidates in the Fray.

Among the 904 contestants, several high-profile candidates are drawing significant attention. Union Minister Anurag Thakur, Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Misa Bharti, daughter of RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, and renowned actress Kangana Ranaut are all set to contest, adding star power to the electoral battle.

Vigilant Oversight: Ensuring Fair and Free Elections.

To ensure the sanctity of the electoral process, the ECI has deployed 172 observers, including 64 General, 32 Police, and 76 Expenditure Observers. These officials are tasked with maintaining vigilance and curbing malpractices. Special observers have also been positioned in certain states to provide additional oversight.

Comprehensive Security Measures: Guarding Against Malpractices.

A robust security apparatus is in place with 2707 flying squads, 2799 static surveillance teams, 1080 surveillance teams, and 560 video viewing teams operating round-the-clock. These teams are dedicated to monitoring and preventing voter inducements and ensuring the integrity of the voting process.

Additionally, stringent surveillance is maintained at 201 international border check posts and 906 inter-state border check posts to thwart the illegal flow of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies. The sea and air routes are also under strict watch to prevent any illicit activities that could influence the election outcome.

Facilitating Voters: Ease of Access and Identification.

In a bid to facilitate voter participation, the ECI has distributed voter information slips to all registered voters. While these slips serve as a reminder and invitation to vote, they are not mandatory for voting. To further ease the process, the ECI has approved 12 alternative identification documents apart from the Voter ID card (EPIC) for identity verification at polling stations.

A Grand Finale: The Greatest Festival of Democracy.

As India braces for this decisive phase, the world’s largest democracy stands on the brink of a historic moment. With meticulous preparations, high-profile candidates, and stringent security measures, Phase-7 of the Lok Sabha elections promises to be a spectacular conclusion to the grand festival of democracy. The eyes of the nation, and indeed the world, are fixed on this electoral finale as India prepares to write the next chapter in its democratic journey.