New Delhi, May 31: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is all set for Phase-7 of the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday, marking the final stage of the polling process that includes an election in Varanasi from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term.
Polling is scheduled in 57 parliamentary constituencies across eight states and union territories including all 13 seats of Punjab and four of Himachal Pradesh, 13 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, nine in West Bengal, eight in Bihar, six in Odisha and three seats in Jharkhand besides Chandigarh.
Polling for the remaining 42 assembly constituencies of Odisha and by-polls to six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh will also take place simultaneously.
Prominent candidates other than PM Modi among the total 904 contestants in the fray are Union Minister Anurag Thakur, Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee, Lalu Prasad’s daughter Misa Bharti, and actress Kangana Ranaut.
This phase concludes the world’s largest democratic exercise, which began on April 19 and has successfully covered six phases and 486 Lok Sabha seats.
Polling has been completed peacefully across 28 states and union territories. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4, the ECI said.
Polling teams have been dispatched with the necessary machines and materials to their respective stations, which are equipped with basic amenities such as shade, drinking water, ramps, and toilets to ensure a comfortable voting experience.
State officials have been instructed to manage the effects of hot weather or rainfall as predicted.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, voter turnout has been robust in the previous phases, with female voter participation surpassing male turnout in the last two phases.
The ECI encourages voters to come out in large numbers and cast their votes responsibly and proudly.
On June 1, 2024, voting for Phase-7 will commence at 7 am in 57 parliamentary constituencies (41 General, 3 ST, and 13 SC) across eight states and union territories.
Concurrently, 42 assembly constituencies (27 General, 6 ST, and 9 SC) in the Odisha Legislative Assembly will also hold elections.
Approximately 1.09 lakh polling officials will facilitate voting for over 10.06 crore electors at around 1.09 lakh polling stations.
These electors include approximately 5.24 crore males, 4.82 crore females, and 3,574 third-gender voters.
An optional home voting facility is available for voters aged 85 and above, as well as for persons with disabilities.
Special trains and eight helicopter sorties have been arranged to transport polling and security personnel, particularly in Himachal Pradesh.
A total of 172 observers (64 General, 32 Police, and 76 Expenditure Observers) are in place to ensure vigilance.
Additionally, special observers have been deployed in certain states.
To monitor and curb any voter inducements, 2707 flying squads, 2799 static surveillance teams, 1080 surveillance teams, and 560 video viewing teams are on round-the-clock duty.
Furthermore, 201 international border check posts and 906 inter-state border check posts are maintaining strict surveillance to prevent the illicit flow of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies.
Surveillance is also in effect at sea and air routes.
Voter information slips have been distributed to all registered voters as a facilitation measure and an invitation to vote, though these slips are not essential for voting.
The ECI has provided 12 alternative identification documents in addition to the Voter ID card (EPIC) for identity verification at polling stations.
